How to Enable SmartScreen in Windows 8.1 - Grayed and Dimmed

Hi!

Due to testing softwares, I double-clicked a registry-hack or something that disables Windows' SmartScreen. I couldn't enable it in Control Panel - the options are grayed or dimmed.

Thanks

 

Google is your friend...


Enable or Disable SmartScreen Filter using a REG File Download:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2631-windows-smartscreen-turn-off-windows-8-a.html

 

Well, I downloaded the appropriate registry and as administrator run it but still it is grayed out. Need to restart perhaps?

 

Yes, try a restart.

 

Just as I was expecting, even several restarts would NOT help.

 

The reg files from the site that was posted looked valid. Did you run them as admin? Did you open regedit and verify the correct setting? I would launch regedit as admin and verify the setting. If it is incorrect either change it manually of import the file from within regedit.

 

Are you able to do a System Restore to a time prior when you disabled it?

A quick Google search gave no answers on how to fix your problem, but I found thread from someone who also was unable to re enable SmartScreen after disabling it, and System Restore was suggested.

 

System Restore - not applicable. In fact I have REINSTALLED windows 8.1 but still having the SAME issue.

 

Ok, pls tell me how to do that in RegEdit. Thanks.

 

Right Click the windows 8.1 "start" --> Select "Command Prompt (Admin)" --> type "regedit" in the the new window --> Check the registry for the existence of this registry HKEY

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

select it and check, on the right part of the regedit window, the presence of this entry:

"SmartScreenEnabled"="RequireAdmin"

 

Yes, I have that entry. And still, all the options to enable it in Action Center are dimmed.

 

May be the security tool you are using is preventing smartscreen to run? I am afraid the only option left is to refresh or reset the WIN8 installation.

See here: http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/how-to-refresh-or-reset-your-windows-8-pc-complete-guide/

 

No, for sure my security tools are not disabling it.

Avast 2014 Free
Online Armor 7 free
SMADAV free

Yes, resetting my installation of Windows of 8.1 is maybe the only solution. I have refreshed and reinstalled my Windows 8.1 (retaining all settings), but they won't work.

 

Before resetting I would remove all what you listed and ensure you are running clean of third party software.

 

A reset will remove all 3rd party software, so it's not really necessary to remove it before hand.

 

Sorry I did not explain myself correctly. I was mention it as a step to avoid the reset in case any of those may prevent smartscreen to work.

 

Hmmm... 90% I won't do it. Too much time again to reinstall Office, apps, and softwares for a little added security by SmartScreen.

 

Yeah I remember I did... before I reinstalled WIndows 8.1
Let me try it again.

 

Well, thats why I was suggesting to remove all related security applications or optimization tools or other third party software (not Microsoft related)
Alternatively, you can also try a clean windows 8.1 boot to check if you regain control of smartscreen. Here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

 

I had a thought, and it may be way off but maybe worth checking if nothing else has worked. Since you have been tweaking your system to get to this point, is it possible you have disabled the Attachment Manager? I have not tried it myself, but it would seem reasonable that if Attachment Manager was disabled that it would take SmartScreen with it.

More info...
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/883260
The article predates Windows 8 but the setting are still valid.

 

I do not remember myself tweaking the Attachment manager. Where can it be found?