Skip to content
Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11

Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11

Written By Gopika S Nair
Last Updated July 17, 2026
Posted In Windows 11
SHARE

Let’s learn how to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11. This security feature protects against phishing or malware websites and applications and the downloading of potentially malicious files.

Malware and Phishing are the major cybercrimes the cyber world faces nowadays. Users are not protected under any circumstances, and they may accidentally download malware or face several cybercrimes. Microsoft Edge helps users protect themselves from such malware.

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects users from malicious files, software, and websites in the Edge browser. This is a great feature that allows users to browse safely. Microsoft Edge has default settings to protect users from malicious attacks.

With the Edge browser, users can easily avoid malicious attacks through websites and different downloading methods. There are different methods available for this. This blog post helps you learn more about Turning on or Off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11.

Patch My PC

What are the Advantages of Microsoft Defender SmartScreen?

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen gives an early warning system against websites. It might engage in phishing attacks or attempt to distribute malware through a socially engineered attack. The following are the advantages of Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.

1. It supports Anti-phishing and anti-malware support
2. It provides Reputation-based URL and app protection
3. It has Operating system integration
4. Management through group policy and Microsoft Intune
5. It blocks URLs associated with potentially unwanted applications

Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11

Users can protect and securely download files with the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11. There are 3 Methods for enabling it.

Different Methods for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
Turn on or off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge using Windows 11 Settings
Turn on or off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 Security
Table 1 – Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11

1. Turn on or off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge using Windows 11 Settings

The first method of turning on or off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge is from the Edge Settings. You can easily do these steps. Select Microsoft Edge from the Start Menu

After that, click on the three dots (Settings and more) option at the top right corner of the Edge browser. Select the Settings option from the Settings and More menu.

The settings window shows different Settings for the Microsoft Edge browser. Select the Privacy, Search, and Service option on the left side of the window. You can see the Security features in Privacy, Search, and Service.

Here, you can see the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen feature. It helps protect against malicious sites and downloads. This option is enabled by default. You can turn it off by toggling the pane to the left.

2. Turn on or off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 Security

You can turn off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge using Windows Security. To do this, search for Windows Security from the Start Menu. Open the Windows Security.

There are many security features available on Windows Security. Select the App & browser control feature from Windows Security. This feature helps to block potentially unwanted app downloads.

Select the Reputation-based protection option from the App & browser control. You protect your device from various malicious attacks via unwanted apps and downloads. Click on the Reputation-based protection settings.

The SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge feature on Reputation-based protection is enabled by default. You can also see the Phishing Protection in this window. It is also enabled by default.

If you turned off the SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge on Windows Security, your security may be less. The Edge browser may contain unwanted files and downloads; disabling this feature will make the device vulnerable.

You can also see the Potentially Unwanted app blocking feature in Windows Security. This feature is enabled by default. If you disable this feature, your device will be vulnerable.

We are on WhatsApp. To get the latest step-by-step guides and news updates, Join our Channel. Click here –HTMD WhatsApp.

Author

Gopika S Nair is a computer enthusiast. She loves writing on Windows 11 and related technologies. She is here to share quick tips and tricks with Windows 11 or Windows 10 users. She is Post Graduate Diploma Holder in Computer Science.

Written by

Gopika S Nair is a computer enthusiast. She loves writing on Windows 11 and related technologies. She is here to share quick tips and tricks with Windows 11 or Windows 10 users. She is Post Graduate Diploma Holder in Computers Science.

Discussion

Join the discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related guides

Security

Microsoft Fixes 570 Security Vulnerabilities and 3 Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in July 2026 Patch Tuesday

Key Takeaways Microsoft Fixes 570 Security Vulnerabilities and 3 Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in July 2026 Patch Tuesday! Microsoft fixed 3 zero-day vulnerabilities as part of the July 2026 Patch Tuesday updates. Two of them, CVE-2026-56164 (Microsoft SharePoint Server Elevation of Privilege) and CVE-2026-56155 (Active Directory Federation Services Elevation of Privilege), were actively exploited before the security […]

AC Anoop C Nair 29 min read
Intune

Windows 11 KB5101650 KB5099414 July 2026 Patch and 3 Zero Day Vulnerabilities and 570 Flaws

Key Takeaways Windows 11 KB5101650 KB5099414 July 2026 Patch and 3 Zero Day Vulnerabilities and 570 Flaws! In the July 2026 Patch, Microsoft introduced new features designed to improve the overall Windows experience. The update adds enhancements to Windows Update for more flexible update management and introduces Point-in-Time Restore, providing an additional recovery option for […]

AC Anoop C Nair 9 min read
Windows 11

Boost Productivity with Zoom Workplace on Windows 11 | Setup Guide for Meetings Chat Calls and Collaboration

Key Takeaways Hey, let’s learn about Boost Productivity with Zoom Workplace on Windows 11 | Setup Guide for Meetings Chat Calls and Collaboration. Zoom workplace is an AI-powered collaboration app used for online meetings, team collaboration, and video calls. This application helps to conduct meetings Including chat and messaging, screen sharing and Calendar Integration. Boost […]

AC Anoop C Nair 35 min read
Windows 11

13 Windows AI Features to Turn Off for Better Privacy

Key takeaways Hey, let’s discuss about 13 Windows AI features to turn off for better privacy. AI is widely used in modern systems such as Windows 11 to automate tasks, improve productivity, and enhance user experience. However, AI also has several disadvantages. It may raise privacy concerns because personal data can be collected and analysed […]

AC Anoop C Nair 15 min read