Trying To Install Software, I Get “SmartScreen Can’t Be Reached Right Now”
When installing software on a Windows operating system, you might encounter a variety of issues that can hinder the process. One of the more common errors users face is the message “SmartScreen can’t be reached right now.” This prompt can be especially frustrating, particularly in situations where installing software is time-sensitive or essential for productivity. In this article, we will explore what SmartScreen is, why this error might occur, and provide detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Windows SmartScreen is a security feature designed to protect users from malicious software and phishing attempts. It helps by checking downloaded files against Microsoft’s database of known threats before allowing execution. If the file is found to be safe, SmartScreen allows you to proceed with the installation or execution of the software; if not, it warns you about potential dangers. The protection extends beyond executables to URL addresses and applications that are downloaded from the internet.
The SmartScreen filter functions by operating in the background during downloads, providing immediate feedback to users about the content they’re interacting with. This mechanism not only offers a first line of defense against malware but also serves as a deterrent for users who may unknowingly attempt to install harmful software.
What the Error Means
When you receive the message “SmartScreen can’t be reached right now,” it indicates that the SmartScreen filter is unable to connect to Microsoft’s servers to validate the software you’re trying to install. There are several reasons why this issue can occur, ranging from internet connectivity problems to configuration settings on your device.
Common Causes
-
Internet Connectivity Issues:
Since SmartScreen relies on an active connection to Microsoft’s servers, any instability or unavailability in your internet connection can trigger this error. -
Windows Updates:
If your system is not up-to-date, you may face compatibility issues with SmartScreen. Keeping your operating system updated is essential for proper functioning. -
Firewall and Antivirus Settings:
Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus settings may inadvertently block SmartScreen’s access to the internet. -
SmartScreen Service Disabled:
If the SmartScreen feature has been disabled on your system, it may lead to this error when attempting to install applications. -
Proxy Settings:
If you’re using a proxy server for your internet connection, it might interfere with SmartScreen’s ability to connect to Microsoft’s servers. -
Malware Infection:
Although rare, malware can affect your system’s ability to run Windows features correctly, including the SmartScreen filter.
If you’ve encountered the “SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” error, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
Make sure that your device is connected to the internet. You can confirm this by opening your web browser and visiting a few different websites. If you cannot access the internet, troubleshoot your network connection, which may include:
- Restarting your router.
- Checking network cables and Wi-Fi settings.
- Ensuring that airplane mode is turned off.
Sometimes, all it takes to resolve temporary glitches is a simple restart. Restart your computer and try to install the software again.
Ensuring that your operating system is updated can mitigate many issues related to security features like SmartScreen. To update Windows:
-
Open the
Settings
app. -
Go to
Update & Security
. -
Click on
Windows Update
. -
Choose
Check for updates
and install any pending updates.
Check whether the SmartScreen feature is enabled. Here’s how to do it:
-
Go to
Control Panel
. -
Click on
Security and Maintenance
. -
Click on
Change SmartScreen settings
on the left sidebar. - Ensure that one of the options, such as “Send information about potentially unsafe apps to Microsoft,” is enabled.
If it’s set to “Turn off Windows SmartScreen,” alter the setting to one of the other options to activate SmartScreen.
Your firewall or antivirus might be blocking SmartScreen’s internet access. Here are steps to adjust these settings:
-
Open the
Control Panel
and click on
Windows Defender Firewall
. -
Click on
Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
in the left panel. - Make sure your firewall is set to allow apps to communicate freely unless you have specific security policies that prevent it.
For third-party antivirus software, check their respective settings to see if there’s an option to allow SmartScreen or to whitelist it.
If you’re using a proxy server, it might be interfering with the connection. Here’s how to disable the proxy:
-
Open the
Settings
app. -
Click on
Network & Internet
. -
Navigate to the
Proxy
section in the left sidebar. - Toggle off any manual proxy settings if they are enabled.
The built-in Windows troubleshooter can help automatically detect and fix problems. To run the troubleshooter:
-
Open the
Settings
app. -
Go to
Update & Security
. -
Click on
Troubleshoot
and select
Additional troubleshooters
. -
Choose
Internet Connections
and follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter.
Sometimes, re-registering the SmartScreen feature can resolve connectivity issues. Here’s how:
-
Press
Windows + X
and select
Windows Terminal (Admin)
or
Command Prompt (Admin)
. -
Type the following command and press Enter:
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Start-Process PowerShell -ArgumentList '-noexit', '-command', 'Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted'" -
Once PowerShell opens, type:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.SmartScreen | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
Press
Windows + X
and select
Windows Terminal (Admin)
or
Command Prompt (Admin)
.
Type the following command and press Enter:
Once PowerShell opens, type:
This command will re-register the SmartScreen feature.
If you’ve exhausted all options and still face issues, consider temporarily disabling SmartScreen. However, remember to enable it after installation for security reasons:
-
Open the
Control Panel
and select
Security and Maintenance
. -
Navigate to
Change Windows SmartScreen settings
. -
Select
Don’t do anything (turn off Windows SmartScreen)
.
Attempt the installation again, but do not forget to restore SmartScreen to its active state post-installation.
Last but not least, consider running a full malware scan on your system. Malware can disrupt normal operations, and ensuring your system is free of infections is vital.
- Use Windows Defender or any reputable antivirus software.
- Perform a full system scan.
Regular maintenance of your computer’s health will also help minimize such issues.
Encountering issues with SmartScreen can be a frustrating obstacle in your day-to-day computing. However, with a straightforward understanding of the SmartScreen feature and the causes of the error message “SmartScreen can’t be reached right now,” you can take immediate steps to diagnose and resolve the situation.
By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can successfully navigate the SmartScreen error and resume your software installation without significantly impeding your workflow. Remember to maintain regular updates, disciplined network management, and proactive malware scanning as part of your ongoing cybersecurity practices, ensuring that your computing experiences remain seamless and secure.