Windows 10: Windows Defender SmartScreen

We are developing an application and singing both the executable/dlls as well as the installer with an EV code-signing certificate. Our application recently we began being flagged by Windows Defender SmartScreen despite having the EV certificate. It passes the Windows App Certification Kit with no warnings or issues related to the digital signature, and the certificate is not expired.

:)

 

Windows Defender SmartScreen won't let me download ANYTHING.

Hello,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Please provide some additional information, so that we can assist you better.

1. Which browser you are using to download the application?
   
2. What is the complete error message appears on your computer screen when you click on download?
   
   

We can try and perform few steps and see if it helps.

Step 1: You can refer the Microsoft article related

Windows Defender SmartScreen under the section
how can I download files reported as unsafe by Windows Defender SmartScreen in Internet Explorer 10 or Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Try to disable SmartScreen.

1. Press Windows + S on your keyboard.
   
2. Click on Internet Options.
   
3. When the Internet Properties window opens, go to the
   Security tab and click Custom level.
   
4. Locate the Miscellaneous section. Now, locate Use
   SmartScreen Filter option and set it to disable. Click OK to save changes.
   
5. You can disable SmartScreen by going to the
   advanced tab and unchecking the Enable SmartScreen Filter option. After doing that, click
   Apply and OK to save changes.
   
6. Restart your computer to effect the settings.
   

Hope it helps.

Let us know if you got the help you needed by clicking ‘Yes or No’.

Harish

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

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

 

I cannot disable Windows SmartScreen

Hi,

Disabling Windows SmartScreen in updated Windows versions was already moved to Windows Defender Security Center. It's a new feature in Windows 10 Creators Update. That might be the reason why it is not showing in the Control Panel. For us to disable the
Windows SmartScreen, please follow these steps:

• Click on Start.
• Type Windows Defender Security Center.
• Press Enter.
• Click on App & browser control.
• You have 3 options:
  • 
    
    
• If you will disable it, it will show you a warning message.

Let us know if you have other concerns.