In a previous article named What is the SmartScreen Filter & How Does it Work?, we explained in detail this feature, how it works and why it is important to your security. However, if you decide that the SmartScreen Filter is rather annoying and you want to turn it off, here’s how this is done.

NOTE: I will start this guide by showing how to disable it in Windows 8. In the second section, I will show the procedure that applies for Internet Explorer (versions 9 and 10), which can be used also in Windows 7.

How to Disable the SmartScreen Filter in Windows 8

Open the Desktop Control Panel and go to System and Security.

Then, click on Action Center.

Next, look on the left side of the Action Center. There, find the "Change SmartScreen settings" link and click on it.

The Windows SmartScreen window now opens. Click on "Turn off Windows SmartScreen" and then on OK.

The SmartScreen Filter is now disabled only in Windows Explorer. If you want to disable it also in Internet Explorer, read the section below.

How to Disable the SmartScreen Filter in Internet Explorer 9 and 10

Open Internet Explorer. If you are using Windows 8, open the desktop version of the browser, not the Metro one.

Then, click on the Tools button or press Alt+X on your keyboard. Click on "Safety -> Turn off SmartScreen Filter".

The Microsoft SmartScreen Filter window now opens. Double check that "Turn off SmartScreen Filter" is selected and click OK.

The SmartScreen Filter is now disabled in Internet Explorer.

How to Enable the SmartScreen Filter

Enabling the SmartScreen Filter is achieved by going through the same steps and making the opposite choices, both in Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 9 or 10.

Related articles:

What is the SmartScreen Filter & How Does it Work?
Managing Downloads in Internet Explorer 9
12 Reasons why Windows Explorer in Windows 8 Rocks