When encountering a “Windows SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” error, it typically means that Windows SmartScreen, a built-in security feature in Windows operating systems, is unable to connect to the necessary servers to perform its checks. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure that your device is connected to the internet properly. Sometimes, network issues can prevent Windows SmartScreen from connecting to its servers.
- Disable third-party security software temporarily: Sometimes, third-party antivirus or firewall software can interfere with Windows SmartScreen. Try disabling any third-party security software temporarily and see if the issue persists.
- Restart your computer: Restarting your computer can sometimes resolve temporary glitches or issues that may be causing the problem.
- Check Windows Update: Ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date. Sometimes, Windows updates can include fixes for issues related to Windows SmartScreen.
- Reset Windows SmartScreen settings: You can try resetting Windows SmartScreen settings to their default configuration. Here’s how:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to “System and Security” > “Security and Maintenance”.
- Click on “Change Windows SmartScreen settings” from the left-hand side menu.
- Click on “Restore settings to their recommended defaults”.
- Check Windows Defender settings: If you’re using Windows Defender as your antivirus solution, ensure that it is properly configured and up to date. Windows Defender works closely with Windows SmartScreen.
- Check for malware: Perform a full scan of your system using your antivirus software to check for any malware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that may be causing the issue.
- Run the Windows Troubleshooter: Windows includes built-in troubleshooting tools that can help diagnose and fix various issues. You can try running the “Windows Update Troubleshooter” or the “Network Adapter Troubleshooter” to see if they can identify and resolve any issues related to Windows SmartScreen.
- Contact Microsoft Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide more specific guidance tailored to your situation.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the “Windows SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” error on your system.