Article ID: kb00051Last Modified: 21-Aug-2024

Windows Defender SmartScreen Reports Backup Agent As Unrecognized App

Situation

Windows Defender SmartScreen reports the following warning: Mircosoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk

Along with Windows Defender, any other anti-virus software could react similarly

Cause

This is expected behavior from Windows Defender SmartScreen®. Backup Agent version comes with a new MSPBytes code signing certificate which requires gaining a reputation. Windows Defender SmartScreen is equipped with the Application Reputation algorithm. The goal of the Application Reputation experience is to warn users, when appropriate, that a downloaded application has not yet established a reputation.

Read more about on how the Windows Defender SmartScreen works in the How Microsoft Defender SmartScreen works when a user tries to run an app paragraph at docs.microsoft.com

Thus, this warning by Windows Defender SmartScreen is temporary and will disappear in a short time.

Solution

Just go on with the installation: click Run Anyway.

https://git.cloudberrylab.com/egor.m/doc-help-kb.git