"Windows protected your PC” message when running install file

What you’ll see

When you open the downloaded installer, Windows may show a blue screen that says “Windows protected your PC” and lists the Publisher: Unknown publisher. This happens when an app isn’t digitally signed yet, so SmartScreen can’t verify it automatically.

How to install anyway

Step 1: Start the installer

Open Downloads (or your browser’s downloads list).

Double-click the installer file (example: SudokuMaker-1.0.0-Windows.exe).

Step 2: Open the “More info” option

When the Windows protected your PC window appears, click More info.

Step 3: Run the installer

After clicking More info, you’ll see an extra button called Run anyway.

Confirm the app name matches what you downloaded.

Click Run anyway.