If your PC blocks downloads, how to unblock downloaded files in Windows 10

The default security settings of every Windows 10 PC, in order to prevent the unintentional execution of malware and viruses by less attentive or inexperienced users, blocks the opening of files downloaded from the internet or received as attachments in Emails. Depending on how Windows 10 is configured, it may be that after downloading a file from the internet, only a warning appears about its possible danger, or that the file is completely blocked and the download cannot be completed.
When a file is locked by Windows 10, if we are sure there is no risk, how to unlock and run it is the following: press on it with the right mouse button, go up Property and then, in the card General use the option for cancel the block.
We have learned that this security feature is tied, in part, to the security tool Microsoft Defender Smartscreen di Windows 10, which blocks downloaded files and are not recognized. In the latest version of Windows 10 this download security check also added a new reputation-based check. By going to Windows 10 Settings, go to Update and Security> Windows Security , you can press, on the right side, on App and browser control to find reputation-based protection options. By pressing the link Reputation-based protection settings, you can enable or disable various controls on downloads and files downloaded from the internet.
All the settings listed here are responsible for blocking downloads, especially the one under the title: blocking potentially unwanted apps which appeared in the latest updates and has an option “Block Downloads“. Depending on the type of program you are using to download files from the internet, the type of file you download, and your security settings, Windows will prevent or warn you when it tries to open the file. If Microsoft Smartscreen detects that a file is unsafe, it prevents Windows and installed programs from opening it, or displays a warning message before opening the file.

Disable download blocking in Windows 10

If you frequently download files from the internet or receive a lot of files as e-mail attachments, you can disable or prevent Windows 10 from blocking downloads by turning off the Smartscreen, but it is not recommended. Instead, there is a more hidden way that is more effective and that does not disable the security functions of Windows 10 even if you have to manually edit the registry with this procedure:

• Search for System log or regedit on the Start menu and run it.
• Using the text box above, browse for the folder
  HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPolicies
• Right click on Policies, then go up New> Key.
• Give the name Attachments to the new key.
• Press on Attachments and then, in the right side of the window, press the right mouse button to create a new value DWord (32-bit) giving it the name ScanWithAntiVirus and how value 1. A value of 0 enables scanning of downloaded files, while a value of 1 disables it. Microsoft recommends giving 3 as a value to the key ScanWithAntiVirus not to disable virus scanning without blocking downloads.
• Close the registry editor and restart the PC (or log off and log in again).

You can also make this change fromgroup policy editor (not present in Windows 10 Home Edition).

• From the Start menu, search Edit Group Policy or gpedit.msc to open the tool.
• On the right side, open the following path:
  User Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> Attachment Management
• By pressing on Attachments management, you can disable the setting for for display the Unblock button when a file is received.

Finally, we remind you that the download block may also depend on the browser used and I refer to the guide on blocking deceptive sites and dangerous downloads of Google Chrome for more details.