Windows SmartScreen is a built-in feature of Microsoft Defender. It's purpose is to block unwanted programs from running when they are downloaded from the internet. If the program you are trying to run is known safe, you can stop SmartScreen from blocking the program from running.
- Locate the downloaded .exe file (usually found in your downloads folder)
- "Right click" on the .exe file, and click "Properties"
- Near the bottom of the page, you should see a checkbox beside "Unblock". Click this checkbox.
- Close the properties panel by hitting "Apply"
- Double click, or "right click" and "Run" the program. It should now bypass smart screen.
- Secure Machines will run into a similar issue, with a different message. When attempting to run a .exe program, your computer may "freeze" for approximately 15 seconds, and then bring up a notification saying "SmartScreen cannot be reached". You should be able to follow the same steps above to resolve this issue. Please be sure when installing programs onto a secure machine, to double check the download is coming from a trusted source.