Smartscreen exe что это за процесс windows 10

Windows 10 includes SmartScreen, a feature that helps protect your PC from downloaded malware and malicious websites. The «SmartScreen» process—with the filename «smartscreen.exe»—that you see in Task Manager is responsible for this feature.

This article is part of our ongoing series explaining various processes found in Task Manager, like Runtime Broker, svchost.exe, dwm.exe, ctfmon.exe, rundll32.exe, Adobe_Updater.exe, and many others. Don’t know what those services are? Better start reading!

What is SmartScreen?

SmartScreen was added for Windows 8, and it’s been improved in Windows 10. Whenever you download an application or file, the SmartScreen filter checks it against a Microsoft database. If the file has been seen before and is known to be safe—for example, if you download the installer for Chrome or iTunes—SmartScreen will allow it to run. If it’s been seen before and is known to be dangerous malware, SmartScreen blocks it. If it hasn’t been seen before and Windows isn’t sure whether it’s safe, Windows prevents the app from starting and warns you it may be dangerous, but lets you bypass this warning.

This service is also used in Microsoft Edge and Store apps to block malicious web content. However, the operating system SmartScreen process helps protect you no matter what application you use to download files. It helps even if you use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as your browser, or download the files with another application.

SmartScreen is just another layer of security in addition to Windows Defender, which is represented by the Antimalware Service Executable process on your PC. Having a security system with multiple layers helps keep your PC safer, even if you use another antivirus program and a web browser with its own anti-malware features.

Why Is It Using CPU and Memory?

Most of the time, the SmartScreen process sits in the background and uses almost no system resources. You may see it hovering at 0% CPU and just a few megabytes of memory used in the Task Manager. Windows may automatically close the process at times when it isn’t being used, so you may not even always see it running in the background.

However, if you have SmartScreen enabled and you download a new application or file, SmartScreen kicks into gear. Windows launches it if it isn’t already running and you’ll see it use a bit of CPU and memory resources as it computes a hash of the file, sends that to Microsoft’s servers, and waits for a response to see if the file is safe. If it is deemed safe, Windows launches the application or file normally.

The SmartScreen filter is used in addition to the usual antivirus checks, which are performed by the Antimalware Service Executable process if you’re using the default Windows Defender as your antivirus program.

The amount of CPU and memory used should be fairly small and the entire process should be very quick, although larger files will take longer to examine than smaller files. This check is only performed the first time you open a downloaded program or file, so it doesn’t just waste resources every time you open an application.

Can I Disable It?

You can’t fully disable the SmartScreen process. Even if you turn off the SmartScreen feature in Windows, the SmartScreen process still launches when you sign into your PC. However, it uses no CPU resources and only a few megabytes of memory. You can forcibly end this process from the Task Manager, but Windows just launches it again automatically when it’s needed.

You can prevent the SmartScreen process from using CPU and memory resources in the background by disabling the SmartScreen feature.

We do not recommend this, though! SmartScreen is a useful security feature that can help protect your PC from malware. Even if you have other security software installed, SmartScreen can protect you from something your main security program might miss. It only uses a tiny amount of system resources, anyway.

If you do want to disable the SmartScreen filter, head to Windows Defender Security Center > App & Browser Control, and then set «Check apps and files» to «Off» in Windows 10.

Is It a Virus?

We haven’t seen any reports of malware imitating the SmartScreen or smartscreen.exe process. This process is a part of Windows 10 and helps protect your PC from malware, although no security solution is perfect. However, If you’re concerned you may have malware running on your system, it’s always a good idea to run a scan with your preferred antivirus program just to check that everything is okay.

Windows 10 includes a number of built-in protections that aim to boost your PC’s security. From integrated antivirus scanning to passwordless logins, Windows 10 offers greater protection than previous Windows releases. To help boost this even further, Microsoft automatically blocks unknown apps and programs from running.

This feature is Windows SmartScreen, designed to stop potentially malicious code from running. The SmartScreen process (smartscreen.exe) runs in the background, which may mean it uses up your system resources occasionally. If you’re curious to learn more, or you’re worried about security, this guide should put you at ease.

What Is Windows SmartScreen and How Does It Work?

Windows SmartScreen has been a feature since the release of Windows 8. It’s designed to stop unknown apps from running automatically. SmartScreen works by scanning a program and checking it against a huge Microsoft database of known apps and services. If it doesn’t recognize it, it stops the app from running.

SmartScreen isn’t likely to do this for well-known software it recognizes, such as Spotify or Google Chrome, but it will likely take a cautious approach to unknown apps by other third-party developers. If it recognizes it as malware, SmartScreen will step in and block it from running, protecting your PC from damage.

If SmartScreen isn’t sure, you’ll be able to override the decision. You can do this if you’re absolutely sure that a piece of software you’re running is safe, but if you want to check, you can run it in Windows 10 Sandbox mode, an isolated version of Windows that you can use to test out software you don’t fully trust.

SmartScreen is also the name for the phishing and malware protection built into the new Google Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser. As with file protection, SmartScreen in Edge will warn against and block sites and downloads it believes to be unsafe.

As a Windows system service, the SmartScreen process (listed as SmartScreen or smartscreen.exe in Task Manager) is completely safe. As it protects against dangerous files, it’s best to leave SmartScreen running, but you can unblock apps you trust to ensure that files it doesn’t recognize can still run.

Why Does SmartScreen Cause High CPU, RAM, or Other System Resource Issues?

While rare, it is reported that SmartScreen can cause high CPU, RAM, or other issues with your system resources. While there isn’t a clear cause for this issue, it’s possible that a stubborn malware infection or corrupt system files are behind the problem.

Before you consider disabling Windows SmartScreen, you should attempt to repair your PC’s system files using the System File Checker (SFC) tool. This should help to resolve issues with your PC’s performance, especially with Windows system processes like smartscreen.exe.

1. To do this, right-click the Start menu and select the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.

1. In the PowerShell window, type sfc /scannow to begin checking your system files for errors.

The SFC tool will automatically search for and fix any issues with your system files. While this isn’t a guaranteed fix for this problem, making sure your system is well maintained and has no corrupted files should help to prevent issues with your PC performance.

If missing files or a malware infection isn’t the cause, you may need to look at the PC itself. As Microsoft introduces new features, Windows becomes harder to run on older PCs. If that’s the case, you may need to consider upgrading your PC to run the latest version of Windows 10 without performance issues.

You can also disable SmartScreen entirely by following the steps below. This will reduce SmartScreen’s system resource usage to minimal levels, but it isn’t something we recommended for most users.

Adding Software to Windows SmartScreen Allow List or Block List

The Windows SmartScreen service is a trust-based service. If Microsoft recognizes an app and knows it can trust it based on the telemetry data it receives, then it’ll allow it to run. If it doesn’t recognize it, it doesn’t trust it, so it will block it as a precaution.

If you trust an app and want it to run without SmartScreen blocking it, you can add the app to SmartScreen’s allow list. Alternatively, if you want to block an executable file from running on your PC again, you can add it to SmartScreen’s block list.

1. To add a .exe file to Windows SmartScreen’s allow or block list, find the file in File Explorer or on your desktop. If you haven’t attempted to run the software before, double-click the file to run it. This will allow it to become identified by SmartScreen.

1. For software that hasn’t previously run on your PC, SmartScreen will check it against its database. If it doesn’t trust it, you’ll see the Windows protected your PC message. Select Don’t run to close the prompt.

1. To block or unblock an app using SmartScreen, right-click the file in File Explorer or on your desktop, then select the Properties option.

1. In the General tab of the Properties window, you should see a section labeled Security. To ensure SmartScreen blocks the file from being opened in the future, make sure the Unblock checkbox is unchecked. If you want to unblock the file and add it to the approved list, however, check the Unblock checkbox. Select OK (or Apply > OK) to save your setting.

How to Disable Windows SmartScreen

Windows SmartScreen is a security feature that should remain enabled for most users, as it can help to stop you running software or opening files that could potentially damage your PC. While it can be annoying, you can bypass SmartScreen prompts that appear for apps you trust by following the steps above.

With this in mind, we strongly recommend you leave SmartScreen enabled. If you want to disable it for testing or performance issues, however, you can do so by following these steps.

1. To disable SmartScreen protection for software (as well as websites in Microsoft Edge), right-click the Start menu and select the Settings option.

1. In the Settings menu, select Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security. This will open the Windows Security menu in a new window.

1. In the Windows Security window, select App & browser control on the left. On the right, select the Reputation-based protection settings option.

1. To disable SmartScreen protection for running apps and files, select the Check apps and files slider to the Off position.

1. If you want to disable SmartScreen filtering in Microsoft Edge, select the SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge slider to Off.

1. To stop protection against files that Windows doesn’t recognize (for instance, files you’ve downloaded online), select the Potentially unwanted app blocking slider to Off.

1. Finally, to stop SmartScreen web filtering in Microsoft Store apps, select the SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps slider to Off.

Protecting Against Threats in Windows 10

The Windows SmartScreen process is one of several essential processes, from werfault.exe to ntoskrnl.exe, that help keep Windows up and running. Keeping SmartScreen active is a great way to protect against threats in Windows 10, but you could also think about setting a scan schedule in Windows Defender or encrypting your hard drive.

If you’re worried about data loss from viruses or malware, you should make sure to back up your system and check for malware regularly to ensure your PC is safe to use. Don’t forget to check other devices too, because even your router can become infected with malware.

SmartScreen.exe — Windows Defender SmartScreen

SmartScreen.exe, also known as Windows Defender SmartScreen, is a crucial cloud-based security component of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It’s designed to protect users from phishing websites, malicious software (malware), and drive-by downloads. It acts as a real-time reputation service, checking files and websites against a constantly updated database of known threats.

Origin and Purpose

SmartScreen was initially introduced as a feature in Internet Explorer 7 and has since evolved to become an integrated part of the Windows operating system, starting with Windows 8. Its primary purpose is to:

• Phishing Protection: Identify and block access to websites known to be involved in phishing scams, which attempt to steal personal information like usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
• Malware Protection: Prevent the download and execution of malicious software, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
• Application Reputation: Check the reputation of downloaded applications. If an application is unknown or has a low reputation, SmartScreen will warn the user, suggesting caution.
• Drive-by Download Protection: Block downloads that occur without the user’s explicit consent, often used to install malware.
• Enhanced Security for Microsoft Edge: Provide extra security for Microsoft Edge Browser.

Functionality — How it Works

SmartScreen employs several methods to protect users:

1. URL Reputation Check: When you attempt to access a website, SmartScreen checks its URL against Microsoft’s database. If the site is listed as malicious, SmartScreen will display a warning page, blocking access by default. You can choose to proceed at your own risk, but this is strongly discouraged.

2. File Reputation Check: When you download a file, SmartScreen checks its digital signature (if available) and its reputation based on data collected from millions of Windows users. This «application reputation» service helps identify newly released software that might not yet be widely known.

   • Known Good: If the file is well-known and trusted, it will download and run without interruption.
   • Unknown: If the file is unknown (not enough data to determine its reputation), SmartScreen will display a warning, recommending caution. This doesn’t necessarily mean the file is malicious, but it indicates that it hasn’t been widely seen and vetted.
   • Known Bad: If the file is known to be malicious, SmartScreen will block the download and display a warning.

3. Heuristic Analysis (Limited): While primarily reputation-based, SmartScreen may also use some limited heuristic analysis to identify potentially suspicious behavior. However, this is not its primary method of detection. Windows Defender Antivirus handles more in-depth behavioral analysis.

4. Cloud-Based: SmartScreen’s effectiveness relies heavily on its connection to Microsoft’s cloud services. This allows it to receive real-time updates on new threats. An active internet connection is crucial for optimal protection.

Is SmartScreen.exe a Virus?

No, SmartScreen.exe is NOT a virus. It is a legitimate and essential security component of the Windows operating system, developed by Microsoft. It is digitally signed by Microsoft, further confirming its authenticity.

Can SmartScreen.exe Become a Virus?

It is extremely unlikely that SmartScreen.exe itself could «become» a virus. However, malware can attempt to:

• Impersonate SmartScreen.exe: Malware might use the same file name (SmartScreen.exe) and place it in a different directory to try and trick users. The legitimate SmartScreen.exe is typically located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory.
• Disable SmartScreen: Malware may try to disable SmartScreen to prevent it from detecting and blocking malicious activity.
• Modify System Settings: Malware could modify system settings related to SmartScreen, potentially redirecting its checks to a malicious server.

To avoid these scenarios:

• Keep Windows Defender Antivirus and Windows Update up to date. This ensures you have the latest security definitions and system patches.
• Be cautious about downloading files from untrusted sources.
• Pay attention to SmartScreen warnings. Don’t ignore them unless you are absolutely certain the file or website is safe.
• Verify File Paths: If you suspect a file named SmartScreen.exe is malicious, check its location. If it’s not in C:\Windows\System32, it’s highly suspicious.

Configuration and Usage

While SmartScreen is generally enabled by default, you can manage its settings:

1. Windows Security: Open the «Windows Security» app (you can search for it in the Start menu).

2. App & browser control: Click on «App & browser control.»

3. Reputation-based protection settings: Click on the «Reputation-based protection settings» link.

Here, you’ll find several options:

• Check apps and files: This setting enables or disables SmartScreen’s file reputation checks.
• SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge: This setting enables or disables SmartScreen’s protection within the Microsoft Edge browser.
• Potentially unwanted app blocking: Blocks the download and installation of apps flagged as potentially unwanted, this includes bundleware and adware, etc.
• SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps: This enables or disables SmartScreen for apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Turning Off SmartScreen: While you can disable SmartScreen, it is strongly discouraged. Doing so significantly reduces your system’s protection against phishing and malware. Only disable it if you have a specific, well-justified reason and understand the risks involved. If you are experiencing issues with a specific, trusted application, it’s generally better to add an exception for that application rather than disabling SmartScreen entirely.

Handling SmartScreen Warnings:

• «Windows protected your PC» (Unknown Publisher): This warning appears when you run a downloaded executable that doesn’t have a known reputation.
  • Run anyway (Use with extreme caution!): Only click this if you are absolutely certain the file is safe, obtained from a trusted source, and you understand the risks.
  • Don’t run: The safest option if you have any doubts.
• «This app might harm your device» (Known Malicious): This warning indicates the file is known to be malicious. SmartScreen will usually block the file from running. Do not attempt to bypass this warning.
• Website Warnings (Phishing/Malicious): SmartScreen will display a full-page warning if you attempt to access a known phishing or malicious website. Do not proceed to the website.

Troubleshooting

• SmartScreen is blocking a legitimate file/website: If you are certain a file or website is safe, you can submit it to Microsoft for review. You can usually do this directly from the SmartScreen warning page. You can also use the Microsoft Security Intelligence submission portal.
• SmartScreen Not Working
• Ensure Required Services Are Running. SmartScreen relies on underlying Windows services. Ensure the «Security Center» and «Windows Defender SmartScreen» services are running. You can check this in the Services app (search for «services.msc» in the Start Menu).
• Check Your Internet Connection. An active internet connection is essential.
• Update Windows. Outdated systems may have issues with SmartScreen.
• Check Group Policy Settings (Advanced). In some enterprise environments, SmartScreen settings may be controlled by Group Policy. If you are on a managed network, contact your IT administrator.
• High CPU or Disk Usage by SmartScreen.exe: While SmartScreen.exe should not typically cause significant performance issues, temporary spikes in CPU or disk usage can occur during file or website checks. If you experience persistent high usage, it could indicate a conflict with another security program or a system issue. Running a full system scan with Windows Defender Antivirus and checking for other software conflicts is recommended.

Conclusion

SmartScreen.exe, Windows Defender SmartScreen, is a vital component of Windows security. It provides a crucial layer of protection against phishing, malware, and potentially unwanted applications. While it may occasionally flag legitimate files or websites, its benefits far outweigh the occasional inconvenience. Understanding how SmartScreen works and how to manage its settings is essential for maintaining a secure and protected Windows environment. Keep it enabled, heed its warnings, and keep your system updated for the best protection.

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By Irene |
Last Updated July 5, 2023

SmartScreen is a useful feature built into Windows 8 and 10. Many users see the SmartScreen process in Task Manager but have no idea about its function. What does SmartScreen do? This post from MiniTool will show you more information about the process.

Many Windows users report that they see SmartScreen process in Task Manager occasionally but don’t know what SmartScreen is. Is it a virus? Some users are worried about this. Well, first, SmartScreen is not a virus. On the contrary, it helps protect your PC from virus infection by blocking the download of malware or files from malicious websites.

If you want to learn more information about the Windows Defender SmartScreen or SmartScreen.exe, please keep reading.

What Is SmartScreen

Smartscreen, also known as Windows Defender Smartscreen (with its smartscreen.exe), is a very useful security feature that belongs to the Microsoft Windows operating systems. Originally introduced in Windows 8, this utility aims to prevent you from downloading malware. Now, Windows 10 has an improved version of this utility. When you open Task Manager, you may see the process SmartScreen running in the background.

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How does SmartScreen work?

Well, every time you download an application or file from the Internet, the SmartScreen filter will check it against Microsoft’s database.

If the app or file has been seen before and it is known to be safe, it can pass through SmartScreen filter. If the app has been seen before but it is known to be dangerous, then Smartscreen will block the malware to protect your computer from virus infection.

However, if the file has never been seen before, and Windows is not sure if it is safe, Windows will prevent the application from running and give you a warning that it may be dangerous, but you can also choose to bypass this warning.

SmartScreen is performed by the Antimalware Service Executable process if you are using the default antivirus program Windows Defender on your computer. It helps to keep your computer safe. So you should always keep it enabled.

Can I Disable SmartScreen?

Some Windows users asked: SmartScreen process is always running in the background and this will consume my system resources. I want to disable it. Can I disable the SmartScreen feature?

Well, it is not recommended to disable SmartScreen, as it is a very useful security feature that can help protect your PC from malware. And it only uses a tiny amount of system resources. So there is no need to disable the SmartScreen. However, if you insist to disable the SmartScreen filter, you can follow the steps below to disable it in Windows 10.

Step 1. On your computer, type “security at a glance” in the Windows 10 Cortana search box located in the Taskbar and then you can click the best match to open the Windows Defender Security Center.

Step 2. On the Windows Security window, choose App & Browser Control option.

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Step 3. Under the “Check apps and files” section, toggle the switch to “Off” to disable the feature immediately in Windows 10. Then close the window.

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Tip: If you want to disable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and Microsoft store apps, you can also toggle the relevant switch to “Off” on this page.

You may be interested in this post: How to Disable or Remove “Windows Protected Your PC” Popup?

Conclusion

After reading this post, now you should know what SmartScreen is. Do you have different opinions about the SmartScreen.exe? We are glad to have you share it with us.

About The Author

Position: Columnist

Irene joined MiniTool in 2018 and has since become a professional in the areas of disk management and Windows tricks. Irene’s expertise allows her to assist clients with managing their hard drives, optimizing their Windows operating system, and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise.