Unblock Microsoft EDGE

Sherry Barchus 0 Reputation points
2026-08-06T00:27:58.59+00:00

Microsoft Defender is blocking EDGE. How do I 'unblock'?

Microsoft Edge | Open the browser | Windows 11
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  1. Paulo GM 70,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-06T01:39:47.1433333+00:00

    Hi,

    Are you seeing any error messages when opening Edge? Did anything change on your device before this issue started? Also, are you still able to access the browser's Settings?Please share a few more details or a screenshot about the problem so I can suggest the most appropriate troubleshooting steps.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-06T00:28:11.85+00:00

    If Microsoft Edge is being blocked by Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, use the matching path below:

    1. If Edge is blocking a download
      • Open the Downloads page in Edge.
      • For a legitimate Microsoft file that was blocked, select Keep.
      • In a similar case with Microsoft diagcab files, the accepted guidance was to use Keep on the Downloads page in Edge.
    2. If SmartScreen is blocking websites in Edge
      • In Edge, go to edge://settings/privacy.
      • Open Services.
      • Turn off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.
      • This setting applies to all profiles in that Edge installation, including InPrivate and Guest mode, and is not synced across devices.
    3. If the device is managed by policy
      • A local change might not be available. SmartScreen can be configured by admins using Group Policy, Microsoft Intune, or MDM.
      • In managed environments, the policy setting is reflected in edge://settings/privacy.
    4. If Edge updates or install checks are being blocked by network filtering
      • Allow https://msedge.api.cdp.microsoft.com
      • Allow *.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com
      • These endpoints are used for Microsoft Edge update checks and downloads.
    5. If the block is for potentially unwanted apps
      • In Edge, select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
      • Under Security, turn on or off Block potentially unwanted apps as needed.

    Turning off SmartScreen or PUA blocking reduces protection against phishing, malware, and unwanted app downloads. Re-enable it after testing if the block was a false positive.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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