Windows 10: Prevent Windows SmartScreen from blocking application in Windows 10

I wrote a program for my personal use in Visual Studio 2013 and am trying to get it to run without Windows SmartScreen popping up every time I run the executable.

I've been searching for about two hours now and have tried a number of different methods, including unblocking the file in PowerShell, editing permissions for the extension in Group Policy Editor, changing registry entries and several others.

I'm starting to wonder if the only possible way to do this is to purchase a certificate, which I don't really want to do for a simple, personal project like this. It's not like I'll be distributing the thing.There's got to be some work-around to this...

:)

 

turn Smartscreen off entirely?

I've done all the steps to turn Smartscreen OFF but it STILL blocks certain files I attempt to download.

Message: "This unsafe download was blocked by Smartscreen filter"

Windows 10, Edge

How can prevent this worthless filter from blocking these downloads?

 

Windows Defender Application Recognition

We are a software company that builds applications. Our clients download the applications from our site but Windows Defender prevents our customers from running our downloaded applications "Windows Defender Smartscreen prevented the running of unrecognised
app from starting..." How can we get Windows Defender to recognise our application so our clients do not encounter this issue? Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting. Running this app might put
your PC at risk.Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.

Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at riskWindows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting. Running
this app might put your PC at risk.Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented
an unrecognised app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk. Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.

<Moved from Virus and Malware / Windows Defender / Updating Virus and Spyware Definitions / Windows 10>

 

You don't need to purchase a certificate. You can sign it yourself then put that self made cert in trusted within the certificate store on your computer.

(Simplied explanation as on phone)