Why does this happen?
Windows includes a safety feature called SmartScreen. It checks every new file against a list of how often it has been downloaded worldwide. Newer or specialised software doesn't have that "popularity" yet — so Windows shows a warning, even when the file is completely safe. The warning doesn't mean a virus was found. Some newer PCs also use a stricter feature called Smart App Control — covered in Part 3.
When the download is blocked
In Microsoft Edge, the download stops and shows "…isn't commonly downloaded. Make sure you trust … before you open it." Here's how to keep the file.
Click the ⋯ next to the warning
Open the Downloads panel (the arrow icon at the top-right of Edge). Move your mouse over the warning — a trash can and a ⋯ button appear. Click the ⋯.
Choose Keep
A small menu opens. Click Keep.
Don't click Delete — that removes the file.
Open the arrow next to Delete
A box appears saying "Make sure you trust … before you open it." Don't click the main Delete button — instead click the small ⌄ arrow on its right side.
Click Keep anyway
A hidden option drops down. Click Keep anyway to confirm you trust the file.
Open your file
The warning disappears and the file is saved. Click Open file to start the installation, or find it later in your Downloads folder.
Your file is now in your Downloads folder. If Windows shows another warning when you open it, go to Part 2 below.
When the installation is blocked
You double-click the installer and a blue window says "Windows protected your PC".
Click More info
At first you'll only see a Don't run button. Look for the small underlined link More info just below the text and click it.
Windows protected your PC
SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.
More infoClick Run anyway
The window now shows the file name and a new Run anyway button. Click it, and the installer will open as normal.
Windows protected your PC
SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.
Allow changes, if asked
Windows may ask "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" Click Yes to continue. Then follow the installer's normal steps.
When "Smart App Control" blocks the app
On some newer Windows 11 PCs, a stricter protection called Smart App Control may block the installer completely. Unlike the blue window in Part 2, there is no "Run anyway" button — the app simply won't start.
A Smart App Control message appears
You double-click the installer and a notification says "Smart App Control has blocked part of this app" (or similar), with only a Learn more option. Nothing installs.
Windows blocked an app that may be unsafe to help protect your device.
Learn moreOpen Settings → Windows Update and install all updates first. On older Windows 11 builds, turning Smart App Control off is permanent unless you reset Windows. On up-to-date Windows 11 (24H2 / 25H2 with the April 2026 update or later), you can switch it back on afterwards.
Open Smart App Control settings
Click Start, type Windows Security and open it. Go to App & browser control, then click Smart App Control settings.
App & browser control
App protection and online security.
Adds significant protection from new and emerging threats by blocking apps that are malicious or untrusted.
Smart App Control settingsThese settings protect your device from malicious or potentially unwanted apps, files, and websites.
Switch it Off
Select Off. If Windows asks "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?", click Yes. You need to be signed in as an administrator.
Smart App Control
Smart App Control adds significant protection from new and emerging threats by blocking apps that are malicious or untrusted.
Install, then turn it back on
Run the installer again (restart your PC first if it's still blocked). Once the app is installed, go back to the same page and set Smart App Control to On if your Windows version allows it. Your other protections — SmartScreen and antivirus — stay active the whole time.
If the settings are greyed out or say "managed by your organization", you can't change them yourself. Please contact your IT department and share this page with them.
Still not working? Unblock the file
If nothing happens when you double-click, or you don't see "Run anyway", Windows may have locked the file. Here's how to unlock it.
Right-click → Properties → Unblock
Open your Downloads folder. Right-click the file and choose Properties. At the bottom of the General tab, tick Unblock, then click OK. Now double-click the file again.
Only bypass these warnings for files you downloaded from the official website or a link you were sent directly. If you're ever unsure where a file came from, delete it and download it again from the official source.