Is it safe to disable Windows SmartScreen?

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#1

Hello,

Recently I have been getting the Windows Smartscreen cannot be reached right now message on my Windows 8.1 laptop. I was wondering, since I used CIS 8 Premium on my system, do I really need the SmartScreen filter? I know the service also scans windows 8 apps, but I don’t use them at all. So I think I should be okay with not having that feature.

Any down sides from not having the SmartScreen filter enabled? Seems like an unnecessary annoyance for me because it doesn’t seem to work at all.

#2

I say Yes. It’s just a community based group on the number of users and first appearance of the file. Much like Norton insight. Seeing that every file has to query the server and such is related to your account it could be considered just another way to track your activity ? A reach if you will but none the less the truth.

I was wondering, since I used CIS 8 Premium on my system, do I really need the SmartScreen filter?
no. :)