jeff41Q: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting
I just downloaded the Windows version and got this warning in Windows 11: "Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting."
Metadefender Cloud also flagged it as "likely malicious" with a 75/100 threat score.
As we work with many clients that require HIPAA, SOC2, or PCI DSS certification, this creates a situation for our IT department to deal with, and the answer is usually "no, we will not allow installation on our network."
So, do you have any solution for this?
WebDiff
Edited Oct 20, 2025A: Hi Jeff, thanks for your feedback! Could you please report the issue to us using this form: https://webdiff.app/write-us/
So we can help you resolve the issue :)
Thanks a lot 🙏
**Update**
For anyone else having the same problem: the warning is a reputation check, not a malware alert. This is a common issue for new software releases, and it's happening because of how Microsoft's security system, SmartScreen, works. SmartScreen uses a reputation system based on how many users download and install an application over time. Since our app is a new version and has a relatively new code signing certificate, it hasn't yet built up enough installation history to be instantly recognized as "trusted" by Microsoft.
We're working to speed up Microsoft's recognition of the app to address any concerns. We'll keep you updated!
**Update 2**
Good news! We've had Microsoft review the app, and the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warning should no longer appear!