Windows 10: Smart screen filter - that's the reason

The SmartScreen filter is also on board under Windows 10 and is designed to protect you from the dangers of the Internet. We'll tell you exactly what the filter is responsible for and whether you really need it.

Windows 10: what does the SmartScreen filter do?

• The SmartScreen filter is part of the new Microsoft Edge browser, which is also installed by default on Windows 10. The tool automatically scans all pages visited for potential dangers.
• Many websites are already considered dangerous and are marked accordingly in the Microsoft database. If you visit one of the previously reported websites, the SmartScreen filter blocks it and issues a warning. You should take that into account and leave the page. Of course, you can also ignore the hint and continue.
• Even if a URL has not been reported as dangerous, the SmartScreen filter recognizes dangerous features of a website. If a homepage exhibits potentially dangerous behavior, it will also be blocked for your protection.
• The filter also checks every download you make. If you download a file often, it is automatically considered safe. If a file is rarely loaded, the filter warns you before the download. However, this only means that the file is potentially dangerous. For your own security, you should check the file with your virus scanner before opening it.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to check individual files online for viruses.