Windows red screen warning popping up when I open new tabs

William Doss 0 Reputation points
2026-08-08T14:44:17.2866667+00:00

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen has blocked this unsafe content

Microsoft Edge | Other | Windows 11
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  1. DYARI BARHAM 37,761 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-13T11:16:20.8166667+00:00

    Thanks for the update.

    You can continue monitoring it for now. If the warning returns frequently, please let me know so I can provide you with more troubleshooting steps.

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  2. DYARI BARHAM 37,761 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-12T14:56:20.9233333+00:00

    Thanks for the update. Is it possible to share a screenshot showing the warning and address bar, and tell me which browser you are using. Please hide any personal information.

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  3. DYARI BARHAM 37,761 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-10T06:52:44.45+00:00

    Thanks for the update.

    Please open an InPrivate window by pressing Ctrl + Shift + N, then manually type the address of one affected website. Do not bypass the SmartScreen warning.

    If it still appears, please share a screenshot showing the warning and address bar, and tell me which browser you are using. Please hide any personal information.

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  4. DYARI BARHAM 37,761 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-08T15:26:32.9666667+00:00

    Hi,

    I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out.

    If it happens when you open every new tab, open your browser menu > Go to Extensions> Disable all available extensions temporarily.

    It is also best to use Microsoft Defender to check and scan for malware.

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  5. AI answer

    2026-08-08T14:44:32.7966667+00:00

    That warning is usually Microsoft Defender SmartScreen in Microsoft Edge blocking a page or download it considers unsafe or suspicious.

    What SmartScreen is doing:

    • It analyzes web pages for suspicious behavior.
    • It checks sites against dynamic lists of reported phishing and malicious sites.
    • It can also warn about downloads that are known malicious or that have no established reputation.

    If this happens when opening new tabs, common causes include:

    1. A site being opened in the new tab is being flagged as unsafe.
    2. A redirect or pop-up page is being treated as suspicious.
    3. A download or script on the page is triggering SmartScreen.

    What to do:

    1. Do not proceed to the page if it was unexpected.
    2. In Edge, close the warning tab.
    3. If the warning appears for a site that is actually safe, on the warning page select More information > Report that this site doesn't contain threats.
    4. If a site looks suspicious and SmartScreen did not block it earlier, in Edge select Settings and more > Help and feedback > Report unsafe website.
    5. Check whether SmartScreen is enabled in Windows Security: App & browser control > Reputation-based protection.
    6. If Protection History shows SmartScreen was turned off, open the alert and use Actions to turn it back on.

    If the warning includes a phone number or claims the PC is locked, treat it as a scam page, not a real Microsoft security message. Close the browser tab or end the browser task, and do not call the number.

    References:

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

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