Windows 10: MS Edge Browser Windows Defender Smartscreen (Warn vs Block)?

I just read a tutorial on how to set the SmartScreen filter for Edge. I see the settings to either Warn or Block. I also see images there on how the blocked content would look like. I went to the Demo page and done a few tests and gave me the same blocked content looking pages with both settings done while testing (Warn and Block), but I don't see any differences from the blocked content page. What is the difference between Warn and Block?
Turn On or Off SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 | Tutorials




:)

 

Can't launch any applications

Hi,

This error message will show if the application or program that you are trying to open was been blocked by Windows Defender SmartScreen. Having said that, we suggest that you disable Windows Defender SmartScreen by following these steps:

• Click on Start.
• Type Windows Defender Security Center.
• Click on App & browser control.
• Click on Off in the following options:
  • Check apps and files.
  • SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge.
  • SmartScreen for Windows Store apps.
• SmartScreen is now completely disabled. If you'd like to still receive a warning when a potentially malicious file or program is detected, you can choose Warn in each SmartScreen option.

Let us know if the steps above helped you to resolve the issue.

 

Windows Defender is blocking a download from Lumen 5

Hi there Julie, thanks for your question.

Windows Defender SmartScreen is there for your protection and blocks files that may be harmful to your computer, so I generally don't recommend disabling or bypassing it.

If you're confident the file you're downloading is safe, you can follow these steps to configure SmartScreen to allow the file:

- Click Start and type "App & Browser Control"

- Select the first result.

- Under SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, change the setting to Warn.

This will warn you any time you download a potentially harmful file, but won't block the download.

Please let me know if you need further support! Thanks!

 

Defender/SmartScreen warning.

Though this doesn't explain why an application's specific reputation might have changed, the addition of granular controls for these settings in the recently released Windows 10 Creators Update may have something to do with it.

Smartscreen in Creators Update

This newer implementation of SmartScreen within Windows 10 has also been renamed to

Windows Defender SmartScreen rather than the old Windows SmartSreen and SmartScreen Filter name within the browser.

Again, none of this specifically explains a change in reputation, but it's possible that all of these changes might have affected the reputation for some applications or certificates.

Since you didn't specify what type of certificate you are using, since this affects the ability to add or gain reputation status more quickly. The

Windows Defender SmartScreen® Filter Frequently Asked Questions page covers this as follows.

There are industry best practices for application developers that will affect your download's reputation and help ensure reputation is established and maintained. If your program is not digitally signed, reputation cannot automatically be shared
across different versions and builds.

To help establish your application's reputation, consider doing the following:

• Digitally sign your programs with an Authenticode signature
  
  Reputation is generated and assigned to digital certificates as well as specific files. Digital certificates allow data to be aggregated and assigned to a single certificate rather than many individual programs. Only Authenticode Certificates issued by a Certificate
  Authority (CA) that is a member of the Windows Root Certificate Program can establish reputation.
• Apply for a Windows Logo
  
  To learn more visit the
  Windows Logo Program page on MSDN.

Rob