What are the User Account Control & SmartScreen Filter?
UAC and SmartScreen Filter: What are they and How to Get Rid of Them!
You often have seen this ‘Remove Unknown Publisher Warning’ appear when installing a new application to your system. This is a security warning issued by the system when you try to install an app or program that is not digitally signed. Digitally signing an application ensures that the program’s code has not been tampered with and is safe to use.
To digitally sign your documents and apps, you need to purchase a code signing certificate from a trusted Certification Authority. This certification will enable you to digitally sign apps and build trust for your software users by disabling the UAC or Microsoft’s SmartScreen Filter Warnings. Let us understand more about it in the blog!
What is User Account Control?
UAC, or User Account Control, is a Microsoft Windows security feature that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your operating system. The changes can be initiated by users, applications, or any external program.
UAC ensures that the changes requested are executed only after approval from the administrator. In case the administrator finds the app or program suspicious, or if they have not initiated the process, the admin can stop the system from proceeding further.
It is a great feature that ensures no malware gets automatically installed on your system. UAC was first introduced in Windows Vista, and ever since, it has made several new improvements in its working.
How Does User Account Control Work?
Applications in a Windows operating system run by default and do not require any administrative permissions. The apps usually get permission rights similar to the standard user account holder.
However, if your application wants to make system changes such as:
- Installation of a new program or application.
- Changes that affect other user accounts.
- Modifications in Windows system files and folders.
In such scenarios, a UAC prompt appears and asks for the permission of the administrator to go ahead. If you grant the permission by clicking ‘Yes’, the application receives administrative permissions.
Conversely, if you reject the application request by clicking ‘No,’ the changes will not be implemented. Note that these permissions are only valid until the app is running, and once closed, the system will revoke the permissions.
Here is a picture showing how the User Account Control message displays in the system:
What is Microsoft SmartScreen Filter?
Microsoft Windows includes a SmartScreen feature in its operating system known as the SmartScreen Filter that helps protect your system against viruses and malware. Whenever you install a new app or software program to the system, the Microsoft SmartScreen filter validates the app against its Microsoft database. The SmartScreen filter also works for websites that you visit.
If the app or website has a valid code signing certificate installed, it will be shown in the Microsoft database, and the system will verify and provide a green signal. However, if you have not purchased a code signing certificate for the app or website, the SmartScreen Filter will block the app.
The Windows will then display a message that the app or website may not be secure and should be avoided from installing on the system. However, this message can be bypassed if you trust the software publisher and are willing to take the risk.
How Does Microsoft SmartScreen Filter Work?
The Microsoft SmartScreen filter has two levels of working: An operating system level and a web browser level. The OS level applies to programs, apps, and software installed on the system.
On the other side, the web browser level checks and authenticates the websites you are visiting. In short, the SmartScreen filter ensures the safety of the apps you are trying to install in your system and the websites you are trying to visit.
The working of the SmartScreen filter is as follows:
- Firstly, the user tries to download and install an app to the system or try to visit a website.
- The SmartScreen filter receives this request from the system.
- The SmartScreen filter quickly sends information to Microsoft’s Windows Defender SmartScreen servers.
- In the Microsoft database, the system checks for the code signing certificate associated with the app.
- Also, it checks the program against different data repositories to ensure the website or program is legit and not part of any external attack.
- The SmartScreen filter will display the message if it finds the app safe to use. Many times, you would not even get the Microsoft security warning message if you have included the right code signing certificate with it.
- In case the SmartScreen filter is not sure of the file, it will display that the app may not be safe to use.
Here is a picture displaying how the Microsoft SmartScreen Filter message displays in the system:
What Triggers a UAC or SmartScreen Filter?
There are many reasons which trigger a UAC or SmartScreen Filter security warning. Some of the reasons are mentioned down below:
- Visiting a website that does not have a code signing certificate.
- Modifying system files and privileges.
- Running an app as administrator.
- Installing and uninstalling drivers & applications.
- Adding or removing user accounts.
- Changing UAC settings
- Configuring Windows Update
- Restoring backed-up system files.
How to Remove the UAC or SmartScreen Filter Warning?
Getting rid of the UAC or SmartScreen filter warning while installing apps and visiting websites is straightforward. The best way to remove such security warnings is by purchasing and installing a code signing certificate from a Certification Authority.
Code Signing is the process of digitally signing documents, apps, programs, and executables. It ensures that the code is safe to use and has not been modified ever since the app was digitally signed.
Buy Code Signing Certificate is the best way to ensure software integrity and increase your software sales. In addition, as the code signing certificate assures no code tampering, the users gain more trust in your product and brand.
Here are the three types of code signing certificates you can buy:
EV Code Signing Certificate: This certificate enables you to digitally sign applications, software, and executables and instantly remove the Microsoft SmartScreen Reputation Filter warning message.
OV Code Signing Certificate: This certificate is specifically designed for large software publishers who wish to code sign their software and apps and build trust for their products among users.
Individual Code Signing Certificate: This certificate is ideal for individual software and app developers who want the services and features of code signing for their app at a lesser price with limited features.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of User Account Control and Microsoft SmartScreen filter, you understand their importance for your system. So, instead of bypassing it with different hacks, it is better to provide the right solution, which is Code Signing Certificate.