Windows Security Warnings Guide
ExpellusAI Beta is not yet code-signed. Windows security features may show warnings during installation and first use. This guide explains what to expect and how to proceed safely.
Why These Warnings Appear
ExpellusAI is a new application that hasn't yet accumulated enough download history or obtained a code-signing certificate. This is standard for new independent software. Code signing is planned for a future release.
Windows SmartScreen
During Download & Installation
What is it?
SmartScreen is a Windows security feature that warns you when running software it doesn't recognize. Since ExpellusAI Beta is not yet code-signed with a certificate, SmartScreen will display a "Windows protected your PC" warning.
When it appears
- When downloading the installer (Chrome/Edge may show "not commonly downloaded" warning)
- When running the installer .exe for the first time
For Chrome/Edge download warning:
Click the "..." or "Keep" option in the download bar
Select "Keep anyway" to save the file
If the file is blocked, go to Downloads (Ctrl+J), find the file, and click "Keep dangerous file" (the file is safe — it's flagged only because it's new and unsigned)
For SmartScreen popup when running the installer:
Windows will show "Windows protected your PC" with the message "Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting"
Click "More info" — this reveals the "Run anyway" button
Click "Run anyway" to proceed
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click "Yes"
Verification tip
You can verify file integrity using the SHA256 checksum file provided on the download page. Open Command Prompt and run:
Compare the output with the value in the Checksums file.
Smart App Control
During First Use — Windows 11
What is it?
Smart App Control is a Windows 11 security feature (available in Windows 11 22H2+) that is stricter than SmartScreen. It blocks apps that it cannot verify through either cloud reputation or a valid digital signature.
When it appears
- This may NOT appear during installation but can appear the first time you launch ExpellusAI.exe after installation
- It shows a dialog: "Smart App Control blocked an app that may be unsafe" with the path
C:\Program Files\ExpellusAI\ExpellusAI.exe
How to resolve:
Option A: Turn off Smart App Control (Permanent — cannot be re-enabled)
Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security
Click App & browser control
Under Smart App Control settings, switch from On or Evaluation to Off
Warning: Once turned off, Smart App Control cannot be turned back on without resetting Windows. Only do this if you are comfortable with the trade-off.
Option B: Run as Administrator (alternative)
- Right-click
ExpellusAI.exe→ Run as administrator - This may bypass Smart App Control in some cases
Why this happens
Smart App Control requires either cloud-based reputation data (accumulated from many users downloading the app) or a valid code-signing certificate. As a new beta application, ExpellusAI has neither yet.
FAQ / Additional Notes
Is ExpellusAI safe?
Yes. ExpellusAI is developed by Team LazyTech. You can verify the installer's integrity using the SHA256 checksums provided on the download page.
Will these warnings go away?
Yes. Once we obtain a code-signing certificate (planned for a future release), both SmartScreen and Smart App Control warnings will no longer appear.
I'm on Windows 10. Do I need to worry about Smart App Control?
No. Smart App Control is a Windows 11-only feature. On Windows 10, you will only encounter SmartScreen warnings.
My antivirus is also blocking ExpellusAI.
Some antivirus software may flag new, unsigned applications. You may need to add an exception for the ExpellusAI installation directory (C:\Program Files\ExpellusAI).
Still Have Questions?
If you encounter any issues not covered in this guide, feel free to reach out to our support team or visit our community discussion forum.