How to Turn SmartScreen Filter Off in Windows 8.1

SmartScreen filter is basically an advanced feature that has been included in Windows 8.1 by Microsoft. The users are not well aware of the functionality of SmartScreen Filter. For them, this is a security layer that can actively check all of the files downloaded from recognized and unrecognized sources.

It warns you about malware or viruses that can attack your system. It’s better to avoid these malware and viruses instead of cleaning them via any virus scanner software. If it is turned off, your system will be at high risk and you may install a hidden malware behind a file. So, it is recommended to keep SmartScreen Filter turned on to avoid all of the malicious malware or viruses.

However, some users do not like this protection filter and they want to turn it off. Therefore, TechZend has brought this guidance for such users who want to turn SmartScreen Filter Off in Windows 8.1. Here is how you can perform this task by using a few steps. Below is the step-by-step guide that needs to be followed.

Step 1: Go to the “Start” button and right-click on it to get the option “Control Panel”. Once you find the option, click it to access “Control Panel” menu. (You can access the Control Panel from the Apps Section” as well. You just need to go to the Apps Section where you should swap to the right to find it.)

Step 2: Now in control panel menu, you need to select “System and Security” option as it has been shown in the image below.

Step 3: Another window will appear before you where you can see the category “Action Center”. Click on this category.

Step 4: In the new window you will find “Change SmartScreen Settings” option to the left side that needs to be selected in order to go ahead.

Step 5: This is what you were looking for. Here appears the “Windows SmartScreen” menu where you will see some options with radio buttons before them. You need to select an option “Don’t do anything (Turn Off Windows SmartScreen)”.

Once you click this option, a warning message will appear on the screen. Ignore the message and just chill because you have completed the task of turning off the SmartScreen filter in Windows 8.1 quite successfully.