How to Bypass "Windows Protected Your PC"

The Windows protected your PC screen is a Windows SmartScreen warning. In plain English, it means Windows does not have enough trust data yet to run that app without stopping to ask you first.

This often happens with apps that are new, recently updated, or not yet widely recognized by Microsoft. It does not automatically mean the app is unsafe.

If you expected this download and got it from the source you intended, you can continue with the steps below.

• Make sure the file name matches the app you meant to open.
• Make sure you downloaded it from the website or source you expected.
• If the warning appeared for a file you do not recognize, stop and double-check before continuing.

On the warning window, click More info. This expands the warning and shows the extra button you need.

If you are searching for how to bypass Windows protected your PC, this is the first click that matters.

After you click More info, Windows will show the Run anyway button. Click it to continue opening the app or installer.

This is the second step in the normal Windows SmartScreen warning flow. Once you click it, Windows will stop blocking that launch and move to the next step.

Some installers need permission to make changes to your computer. When that happens, Windows will show an administrator approval prompt.

After you click Run anyway and approve any administrator prompt, the installer or app should open normally.

If it is an installer, you will usually see the normal setup window next. You can then finish the installation and open the app when it is done.

In other words, once you get past the Windows protected your PC screen, the process goes back to the standard install flow.