Fixed: “Windows Protected Your PC” Error

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This article will show you how to Fix “Windows Protected Your PC” Error. If you run a software, Windows 11/10 may show you a pop-up window that says “Windows protected your PC.” If you are using a browser, this message may show up. The first one is a warning from Microsoft, and the second one is a hoax.

Microsoft aims to make Windows 11/10 as safe as possible by making and offering special tools and ways to perform things. When you install a new app or program, the built-in Windows Defender SmartScreen security software will secure your data and login information.

Even while this default security solution provides a rather comprehensive level of protection, it can be pretty unpleasant at times. In this case, we may now talk about the security warnings that Windows Defender SmartScreen shows a lot, even when it’s not essential. You can also go to the official Microsoft support site for more information about this error.

Ways to Fix “Windows Protected Your PC” Error

Disable Windows Defender SmartScreen

If you try to install an app from a source you don’t know, this feature won’t know about it. If Windows Defender thinks it’s a threat to the system, it won’t let the program load and will show the warning “Windows Protected Your PC.”

Users should be careful of scammers who pose as tech assistance and exploit the “Windows Protected Your PC” message and contact information to try to get money or personal information from individuals.

You can turn off this warning about security and install the program. However, turning this feature off could make Windows less safe. So, do what you want at your own peril.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type windowsdefender:///, and hit enter. 
2. Go to the App & browser control Menu.
3. Click on Reputation-based protection.
4. Disable Check apps and files.
5. You can also disable the Potentially unwanted app blocking from the same Window.
6. Finally, try running the application.

Perform Malware Scans

If the application has malware or viruses, Windows can stop you from directly accessing the files or application. Because of this, it’s the best way to manually scan for malware. Also, make sure that your device’s anti-virus software is turned on.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type windowsdefender://threat/, and hit enter. 
2. Click on Scan options. 
3. Choose Full Scan and click on Scan now button. 
4. Windows Defender will now start scanning for the malware and viruses on your PC. If it finds something, it will remove or send it for quarantine. 

Run Application Using Command Prompt

If you’ve already tried to open the program via GUI means and failed, you can open it using the Command Prompt to get around the notice.

1. Press Windows Key + X and open Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Now copy the desired application’s file path and paste it into the Command Prompt.
3. Hit enter and the application will run without any prompts. 

Disable Controlled Folder Access

It is a feature of Windows that keeps other people from making changes to your files. If malware gets on your computer and tries to edit your files, this function will stop it from doing so. It will only let programs that you trust into the directories. Here’s how to turn this function off.

1. Type windowsdefender://threat/ and hit enter.
2. On the Virus and threat protection window, find the Ransomware protection section.
3. Click on Manage ransomware protection.
4. Click on the Slider to change it to Off and disable the Control Folder Access feature.