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How to disable SmartScreen on Windows server

In this guide, you will learn how to disable SmartScreen on Windows server.

What is Windows SmartScreen? Windows introduce tools or services to protect your privacy and security. SmartScreen is a filter that works as Warning System. If a user visits suspicious websites or malware distribution websites via social engineering tactics SmartScreen filter will display a warning to make users aware of suspicious activity on the website. You can find more about Windows SmartScreen here.


1. To start off, log in to your Windows server and search for gpedit.msc in the server’s search bar.

Searching for gpedit.msc within the Windows server search bar.

2. Next, open the drop-down menu Computer Configuration on the left-hand side and select the drop-down arrow next to Administrative Templates as seen below.

Image of the gpedit.msc menu and selecting Computer Configuration and Administrative Templates

3. Continuing with the menu on the left-hand side, select the drop-down arrow next to Windows Components.

Image of the gpedit.msc menu and selecting Windows Components.

4. Next, in the left-hand menu scroll down until you locate File Explorer and select it.

Image of the gpedit.msc menu and selecting file explorer.

4a. Locate the option Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen on the right-hand side of the screen.

Identifying where the Configure Windows SmartScreen option is located.

4b. Next, right-click on Configure Windows SmartScreen and select Edit.

Selecting edit on Windows SmartScreen.

5. The Configure Windows SmartScreen page will appear, please mark the circle next to Disabled.

Disabling the SmartScreen feature in the Configure Windows SmartScreen page.

6. Next, click Apply to save the changes you have made. You can close all windows after applying the changes.

Applying the changes on the Configure Windows SmartScreen page.

7. Lastly, reboot your server either via the Windows server or the Hyonix Dashboard.

You have now successfully learned how to disable SmartScreen in Windows 2012 & 2016 servers.

Updated on September 15, 2024

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