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Windows Defender SmartScreen Warning

When downloading or launching SquidServers on Windows, you may encounter a blue popup window stating “Windows protected your PC” or Microsoft Defender SmartScreen blocking the application.

This is a false positive security warning.

Microsoft SmartScreen automatically flags software that is not digitally signed with an expensive Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Certificate.

  • EV Code Signing Certificates cost between $300 and $600 USD per year.
  • Because SquidServers is a 100% free community application, we do not charge users or maintain corporate revenue to pay annual certificate authority fees.
  1. On the blue Windows protected your PC window, click More info.
  2. A second button labeled Run anyway will appear at the bottom.
  3. Click Run anyway.

The app will launch normally. Windows will remember your choice for future launches.

SmartScreen Run Anyway step