When you use Microsoft Edge , Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps safeguard your security against phishing and malware sites and software and helps you make informed decisions about downloads.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps you browse more safely in Microsoft Edge by:
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Alerting you to suspicious web pages: As you browse the web, SmartScreen analyzes web pages and determines if they might be suspicious. If it finds a suspicious site, SmartScreen displays a warning page advising you to continue with caution and giving you an opportunity to provide feedback to Microsoft.
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Defending against phishing and malicious sites: SmartScreen checks the sites you visit against a dynamic list of reported phishing and malicious software sites. If it finds a match, SmartScreen displays a warning that the site has been blocked for your safety.
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Screening downloads: SmartScreen checks your downloads against a list of reported malicious software sites and programs known to be unsafe. If it finds a match, SmartScreen warns you that the download has been blocked for your safety. SmartScreen also checks your downloaded files against a list of well-known and popular downloads by Microsoft Edge users and warns you if your download is not on this list.Â
What if SmartScreen warns me about a site I visit, but it's not unsafe?
You can report a site as safe in Microsoft Edge.Â
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From the warning page, select More information > Report that this site doesn't contain threats to go to the Microsoft feedback site, and follow the instructions.
What if SmartScreen does not warn me about a site I visit, but it is unsafe?
You can report a site as unsafe in Microsoft Edge. If you visit a site that you think SmartScreen should warn you about in the future, you can report it to Microsoft.
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From the site you believe is unsafe, select Settings and more > Help and feedback >Â Report unsafe website and follow the directions.
Can I turn SmartScreen on or off?
In most cases, yes. In some cases—such as on a work or school network—this setting may be managed by a system administrator and can't be changed.Â
To turn SmartScreen on or off in Microsoft Edge:
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Select Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services .
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Under Services, turn Microsoft Defender SmartScreen on or off.
Is SmartScreen different from a pop-up blocker?
Yes. SmartScreen checks the sites you visit and the files you download for threats to your security. Pop-up blockers simply block most pop-ups, which are usually advertisements and aren't necessarily malicious.
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