Unknown apps might invade your security and privacy. Windows has an inbuilt feature named Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to protect your PC and data. Its firewall prevents users from uninstalling unrecognized apps. If you get a warning that installing an app might put your PC at risk, this tutorial will bypass the hurdle. With our quick tips, you can install apps from unknown publishers on a Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Being a tech blogger, I try apps from unrecognized publishers sometimes. Recently, I downloaded an app named Bifrost from GitHub but I had a hard time installing the app on my PC. When Windows blocks an app from installing an app that doesn’t have security certificates issued by certificate authorities, you get one of the following messages:

Publisher: Unknown – This app has been blocked for your protection.

Windows protected your PC
Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.

Microsoft defender warning to prevent unrecognized app

When you install apps from unknown publishers, you step into risky territory. Apps from unknown publishers often lack the scrutiny that mainstream software undergoes. Malware is a primary concern. These harmful programs can compromise your system and steal sensitive data. It’s like inviting an intruder into your home without checking their credentials. You must always weigh these risks against the potential benefits before proceeding with installations from unknown sources.

The tips on this page will help you test experimental tools or explore apps unavailable in the Microsoft Store.

Unblock the App from Properties

If you’re sure that you’re getting false positive warnings about apps from unknown publishers while trying to install them, do the following.

  1. Open Windows File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the app.exe Windows is preventing from starting and right-click on it to view the context menu.properties option windows file explorer
  3. Select the Properties option from the menu.
  4. When the Properties dialog box opens, ensure that the General tab is selected.
  5. Look for the Unblock option next in the Security section and enable it by clicking the checkbox.unblock unknown app from app properties on windows 11
  6. Finally, click Apply followed by the OK button.

That’s it! Now double-click the app.exe. You should now be able to install or launch the app from an unknown publisher.

Read Next: 10 Best Windows 11 Registry Hacks and Tweaks

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