6 Ways to Fix “Windows SmartScreen Can’t Be Reached Right Now” Error on Windows 11

When you have tried to install an app or open a file on Windows 11 and you received the message “SmartScreen can’t be reached right now,” you’re not alone. This error means that Windows SmartScreen which is a built-in security feature in Windows 11 that verifies potentially harmful apps, files, and websites against Microsoft’s online database, was unable to connect to the servers to verify their safety.

This error can be frustrating and you can follow several effective ways to fix this issue. In this guide, I will explain the common causes and provide the solution as of 2025 to resolve this issue quickly.

Why Does the SmartScreen Error Occur?

The “SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” message usually appears when your computer can’t connect to Microsoft’s servers. This may happen due to simple reasons like a weak or missing internet connection, wrong date and time settings, security features being turned off, problems with Microsoft’s servers or damaged system files. If you use VPN or firewall, it may block connection, and you will get the problem related to SmartScreen.

Method 1: Make Sure You're Connected to the Internet

Windows SmartScreen is a built-in security feature in Windows 11 that relies on Microsoft’s servers, and it will not function until you have a stable internet connection. As such, the very first thing to troubleshoot is whether an internet connection is live or stable on your computer.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.

Step 2: Go to Settings > Network & Internet to access your network settings.

Step 3: Look under Wi-Fi or Ethernet to see if it says “Connected.” If it doesn’t, try reconnecting to your network.

Step 4: Open a web browser like Edge or Chrome and visit a website, such as:
https://www.microsoft.com
If the page loads, your internet is working.
If the page doesn’t load your internet might be down

SmartScreen relies on stable internet connection to work properly on Microsoft’s servers . If you’re not connected to the internet, it won’t be able to do its job. That’s why checking your internet connection is the first and most important step.

Method 2: Automatically Sync Your Date & Time

If your computer has an incorrect date or time, it can cause problems connecting to Microsoft’s servers, which may prevent SmartScreen from working correctly.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.

Step 2: Go to Time & Language > Date & Time.

Step 3: Turn On the options:
Set time automatically
Set time zone automatically

Step 4: If you see a Sync now button, click it to manually sync the time with Microsoft’s servers.

If your computer has an incorrect date or time, it can cause problems connecting to Microsoft’s servers, which may prevent SmartScreen from working correctly.

Method 3: Make Sure SmartScreen is Turned On

If you have turned off Windows SmartScreen it might not work. So, make sure SmartScreen is turned on.

Step 1: Press Windows + S, type Windows Security, and open it.

Step 2: Click on App & browser control.

Step 3: Under Reputation-based protection, select Reputation-based protection settings.

Step 4: Make sure all the switches are turned ON, especially the one labeled “Check apps and files.”

If SmartScreen is disabled, it won’t check apps or files for safety, and the error might appear. So, make sure it’s turned on and lets Windows do its job to protect your system.

Method 4: Enable SmartScreen Through Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro Only)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, it’s possible that SmartScreen has been turned off through Group Policy—especially on work or school devices. You can turn it back on manually.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer

Step 3: On the right side, double-click on Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen. In the window that appears, select Enabled, then click OK.

Group Policy settings can override the regular Windows settings. So, if SmartScreen has been disabled through Group Policy, it won’t work even if it appears enabled elsewhere.

Method 5: Check Windows Defender Services

Windows SmartScreen is part of Microsoft Defender, so if Microsoft Defender security services are stopped or disabled, it might not function properly.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

Step 2: In the Services window, look for these services:
Windows Defender Antivirus Service
Windows Defender SmartScreen
Security Center

Step 3: Make sure each of the following services:
Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service
Windows Defender SmartScreen
Security Center

Step 4: If any service isn’t running, right-click it and select Start; if needed, right-click again, choose Properties, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click OK.

Windows SmartScreen relies on Defender services to work. If protection features are turned off, SmartScreen may not function and will show errors.

Method 6: Reset Your Network Settings

If you have corrupted or damaged network settings or DNS cache ,It might prevent SmartScreen from connecting to Microsoft’s servers. Resetting these settings often helps fix the problem.

Step 1: Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run these commands one by one (press Enter after each):

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Step 3: Restart your computer.

Your computer stores network information such as DNS cache data to load websites more quickly, but this information is prone to get damaged or corrupted. If you reset the network or DNS cache ,it can remove faulty configurations and allow SmartScreen to reconnect properly to the network.

Final Thought: 6 Ways to Fix “Windows SmartScreen Can’t Be Reached Right Now” Error on Windows 11

If you want to resolve “Windows SmartScreen can’t be reached right now” error that happens due to the problems in network or system setting you should follow the step-by-step fixes above, which can likely solve the problem and get SmartScreen working again.

Still confused or stuck with the “Windows SmartScreen Can’t Be Reached Right Now” Error on Windows 11 ?
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