If you’ve landed here, you’re probably dealing with the pesky “Windows SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” error. This can be a real headache, especially when you’re just trying to open a file or download something important. Don’t worry, though. I’m here to help you sort this out with some simple and easy-to-follow steps.
What is Windows SmartScreen?
Before we dive into the fix, let’s quickly understand what Windows SmartScreen is. Essentially, it’s a security feature in Windows designed to protect you from potentially harmful files and apps. It checks the files you’re downloading or running against a Microsoft database to ensure they’re safe. When you see the “Windows SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” error, it means SmartScreen is having trouble connecting to the internet to perform this check.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
The first thing you need to do is ensure your internet connection is working properly. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open your web browser and try visiting a few websites. If they load fine, your internet connection is working.
- If the websites are not loading, try restarting your router. Unplug it, wait for about 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to reconnect, and then try visiting the websites again.
Step 2: Verify Your System Time and Date
Believe it or not, an incorrect date and time on your computer can cause SmartScreen to act up. Here’s how to check and correct it:
- Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select Adjust date/time.
- Make sure the date and time are correct. If they’re not, toggle the Set time automatically switch off, then on again. You can also manually set the date and time if needed.
Step 3: Update Windows
Sometimes, the SmartScreen error can be due to outdated system files. Keeping your Windows up-to-date can solve this issue:
- Go to Settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
- Click on Update & Security and then Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates and install any updates that are available.
Step 4: Disable and Re-enable SmartScreen
If the error persists, try toggling the SmartScreen feature off and then back on:
- Go to Settings and click on Update & Security.
- Select Windows Security and then click on App & browser control.
- Under the Check apps and files section, turn SmartScreen off. Confirm any prompts that appear.
- Restart your computer.
- Go back to the same settings and turn SmartScreen back on.
Step 5: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software might block SmartScreen. Here’s how to ensure they’re not causing the issue:
- Open your antivirus software and look for any settings related to internet protection or SmartScreen. Make sure SmartScreen is allowed.
- For Windows Firewall, type Firewall in the search bar and open Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and ensure SmartScreen is listed and checked.
Step 6: Use Command Prompt
If the above steps don’t work, you can try using Command Prompt to reset your network settings:
- Type cmd in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset - Restart your computer and check if SmartScreen is working.
Wrapping Up
There you have it! By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “Windows SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” error and get back to using your computer without any hiccups. If you still face issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.
I hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any other tips or tricks, feel free to share them in the comments below. Happy computing and stay safe online!