However, don’t panic; it is a fixable issue.
But before we look at how to fix it, lets first explore what Smart Screen is.
What is SmartScreen?
SmartScreen is a cloud-based security tool built into Windows 8 and Windows 10.
What it does is reach out to Microsofts servers every time you take a stab at install an app.
This is a layer of protection that Microsoft provides its users.
It will also show you the publisher and name of the app.
That way, you’re able to make a more conscious decision before choosingRunorDont run.
So what should you do if you get this error when youre installing an app?
Here are a few steps to take to solve the SmartScreen error.
The easiest way to do this is to check your internet speed onSpeedtest.net.
If that is the case, you’re able to first try resetting your modem and router.
Finally, try running the Windows connection Troubleshooter as well if the above steps do not work.
Related:How to Fix Connected to Wi-Fi But No Internet Access Issues on Windows
2.
Check SmartScreen Status
Another reason why SmartScreen won’t work is that something or someone disabled it.
you might easily check its status in the Windows Security Center to see if thats the case.
To do that, open yourStart Menuand tap on theSettingslogoit looks like a cog.
In theSettings window, click onUpdate & Security.
Then in theUpdate & Security settingswindow, go toWindows Securityin the left column.
choose theOpen Windows Securitybutton.
A new window calledWindows Securitywill appear.
In the new window, go toApp & web client control.
In the main window ofApp & web client control, underReputation-based protection, click onReputation-based protection parameters.
you’re able to then try rerunning the software install.
Alternatively, there could be ongoing maintenance with the SmartScreen service, making it unreachable.
To check for the SmartScreen status, you visit theMicrosoft Communitysite and search for any announcements.
Microsoft also frequently update theirTwitter accountfor critical news, so you could check that as well.
Lastly, if you cant find any information on these services, you could go toDowndetector.com.
you could then use this service to see if they currently detect any disruption with Microsofts servers.
Disable Your Proxy Server
One other reason SmartScreen fails to work is because of a conflicting proxy server.
If that is the case, disabling this setting will let the security app run.
To find the proxy server options, tap on yourStart Menubutton, then choosing theSettingslogo.
Next, click onNetwork & Internet.
TheNetwork & Internet optionswill appear.
Then, under the left column, click theProxybutton.
In the mainProxywindow, look forManual proxy setup.
Under theUse a proxy servertoggle switch, ensure that its switchedoff.
Once youve done that, close all windows and reboot your gear.
you’ve got the option to then go ahead and restart the installation process.
If that was the issue, the SmartScreen error screen shouldnt appear anymore.
If that is the case, then youll have to create a new account.
This process is more time-consuming than the other solutions.
Thats why you should keep this as your last option.
To create a new account, open theStart Menu, then select theSettingsicon.
In theSettingswindow, look for theAccountsoption and punch it.
Next, under the left column in theAccountsview, click onFamily & other users.
Then, in the mainFamily & other users window, look forOther users.
Once your machine has turned on, sign on to the new account.
If youre familiar with the utility youre installing, then you might go ahead and click onRun.
But when you do that, ensure youve downloaded the files directly from reputable companies.
If it came from sites like Microsoft, Google, or Adobe, then its most probably safe.
But if youre having second thoughts about the installation, you shouldnt do it.
Instead, fix SmartScreen first before installing anything else.
After all, its better to be safe than sorry.
