Microsoft SmartScreen
According to Microsoft's FAQ, its reputation-based SmartScreen filter "checks the files that you download against a list of files that are well known and downloaded by many people who use Internet Explorer. If the file that you're downloading isn't on that list, SmartScreen will warn you." (It now also applies to downloads using Microsoft Edge).
If you use Windows Defender it will also use SmartScreen to check the installer and warn you or even block you from installing software with an unknown reputation.
What can you do?
You can try some of the following actions:
- Disable Windows SmartScreen Protection (see below).
- If the installer is being blocked when you try to run it, you may be able to see a link lower down the page "more.." and if you select that you will be warned again but may be offered the option to continue anyway.
- It is possible for you to contact Microsoft and let them know that you believe the software is safe .. but that will not make much difference unless an unspecified number of other users do so as well.
Disable or Enable Windows SmartScreen Protection
Warning: You should only do this if you trust my software, and after completing and testing the installations you should re-enable the protection. For up to date Windows 10 as at June 2021 you can disable/enable SmartScreen protection as follows:
- Enter the text App & browser control into the Windows search box, usually next to the Windows icon at the bottom left corner: .
- Click in the App & browser control window on the right to expand it.
- Click the link for Reputation based protection settings.
- Now turn OFF (or ON) the following:
- SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
- Potentially unwanted app blocking