smartscreen

For years the reflex was simple: buy a third‑party antivirus suite and assume you were safer — but the calculus has shifted. A growing number of users and reviewers now say you can reasonably ditch paid antivirus software and rely on the built‑in protections in Windows Security (Microsoft...

Three simple, persistent beliefs about Windows security — that you must buy a paid antivirus, that Microsoft Defender magically blocks everything, and that sticking with Windows 10 is the safest long-term choice — are shaping decisions in 2025 that expose millions of users to unnecessary costs...

Three persistent beliefs about Windows security still shape user behavior in 2025 — that you must pay for antivirus, that Microsoft Defender is a catch‑all shield, and that staying on Windows 10 is safe for years to come — and each of these myths is now misleading in ways that materially affect...

Three persistent beliefs about Windows security still shape decisions in 2025 — that you must pay for antivirus, that Microsoft Defender is a catch‑all shield, and that staying on Windows 10 is safe for years to come — and each is misleading in ways that matter for risk, cost, and practical...

Microsoft’s safeguards can be frustrating when they interrupt workflows, block legitimate programs, or insist that perfectly serviceable hardware is suddenly “unsupported.” The practical reality is that Windows exposes several levers—both built-in and third‑party—that experienced users can use...

Windows operating systems have evolved far beyond their original form, growing into sophisticated ecosystems that balance usability, performance, and a robust set of built-in security features. However, while many users obsess over their antivirus subscriptions or install a dizzying array of...

Windows SmartScreen has long served as one of the core layers of defense in Microsoft’s modern security architecture, acting as a vigilant gatekeeper against malicious web content, phishing attempts, and untrusted or suspicious applications. But with the disclosure of CVE-2025-49740, a...

In the constantly evolving world of cybersecurity, few built-in tools in Microsoft Windows have persisted as quietly yet as critically as the Attachment Manager. Unknown to many average users, this behind-the-scenes component plays a pivotal role in safeguarding individual PCs and enterprise...

For much of Windows’ history, the installation ritual for any new PC typically included a panicked rush to download third-party antivirus software. Headlines were filled with dire warnings about malware, ransomware, and data theft. Today, these memories persist, but the modern reality for...

Windows 11 has arrived not just with a fresh interface, but with a bold promise: for the average PC user, its built-in security may finally be enough. Decades of received wisdom have taught us to immediately install a third-party antivirus suite on any Windows device, but the equation is...

Hello. My name is Nurlan, I’m from Kazakhstan. I need the community’s help: I’ve found myself trapped and have been unable to escape for several months. Here’s the situation: I created a Windows app, but I can’t build an audience for it because Microsoft blocks any activity related to my app...

Hold onto your security hats, folks—Microsoft has dropped a bombshell with the disclosure of CVE-2025-21314, a newly identified SmartScreen spoofing vulnerability. This isn't just another dry acronym for the IT crowd; it's a serious breach aimed squarely at Windows’ shiny SmartScreen defense...

Windows users, today we're unpacking a critical but sometimes underappreciated feature in your operating system—App & Browser Control in the Windows Security app. This tool might just be the unsung hero working backstage to safeguard your digital experience. Let’s break it all down in an...

In a recent report by Elastic Security Labs, researchers have unveiled a troubling method that allows malicious applications to bypass Windows security alerts undetected for over six years. This research highlights vulnerabilities within the Windows SmartScreen and Smart App Control (SAC), the...

Hello WindowsForum.com members! Microsoft has just rolled out the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.575 and 22622.575 (KB5016694) to the Beta Channel. These updates bring exciting new features and critical fixes that enhance the overall user experience. Key Highlights Build...

Recent cybersecurity research has revealed significant vulnerabilities within Microsoft's Windows Smart App Control (SAC) and SmartScreen security features. These flaws could potentially allow malicious actors to infiltrate targeted environments without triggering any alerts or requiring...

In a troubling revelation, a significant security oversight within Windows Smart App Control and SmartScreen has been exposed, enabling attackers to launch applications without encountering security warnings. This design flaw has reportedly been under exploitation since at least 2018. Overview...

Hi, I have developed a python based application for windows 10 and I created a setup exe for installation into Program Files (x86) folder via inno setup tool. My problem is whenever I execute my setup.exe file on another windows device, SmartScreen shows "Microsoft defender SmartScreen...

October is almost over! The leaves are changing, pumpkin spices are everywhere, and frights and haunts are becoming commonplace. In the U.S., it’s also National Cyber Security Awareness month. To celebrate it all, we’ll share some of the great security and privacy features that we’ve added to...

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness month (NCSAM) and it couldn’t be more timely. Vulnerability to online threats is literally top of mind for everybody. In a Link Removed, 90% of respondents (yes, you read that right) indicated that phishing attacks have impacted their organizations...