'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Block or Report an Insecure Website in Microsoft Edge
Question details
The user wants to know how to block or report a suspicious, insecure, or potentially malicious website while browsing.
- Product
- Microsoft Edge
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Encountering a suspicious or potentially malicious website that needs to be reported or blocked to prevent security risks.
- Observed behavior
- The user requires a method to prevent access to the insecure URL or report it for evaluation, as community support cannot directly block sites for individuals.
Ensure your Microsoft Edge browser is updated to the latest version so that Microsoft Defender SmartScreen features are fully functional and up to date.
Report the Insecure Website using Microsoft Edge SmartScreen
Use Edge's built-in reporting tool to send the malicious URL directly to Microsoft for evaluation and global blocking.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect users by identifying reported phishing and malware websites. Submitting a report allows Microsoft to analyze the site and block it for all Edge users if it is deemed unsafe.
Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the suspicious or insecure website you wish to report.
Click on the three-dot menu (...) in the top right corner of the browser window, then hover over 'Help and feedback'.
Click on 'Report unsafe website' from the expanded dropdown menu. This will open the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen reporting portal in a new tab.
Fill out the required details on the reporting page, select the reason for reporting (such as phishing or malicious software), complete the CAPTCHA, and click 'Submit'.
Block the Website Locally using Security Software or Network Settings
Since community support cannot block a URL for you, use local network controls or third-party security software to restrict access immediately.
Need a Secure Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While you secure your web browsing experience in Microsoft Edge, ensure your offline and online documents are also safe. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, designed to keep your workflow secure and efficient without the hefty price tag.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation file.
- 2. Install the software: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I report a website as unsafe in Microsoft Edge?
When you report a website, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen analyzes the URL. If confirmed as malicious or a phishing threat, Microsoft will display a full-page red warning to all Edge users attempting to visit the site.
Can Microsoft Community Support directly block a website for me?
No, Microsoft Community support members and moderators do not have the administrative tools to block websites for individual users. You must use the built-in SmartScreen reporting tool or configure local network blocks.
How do I bypass a SmartScreen warning if I know the site is safe?
If you are absolutely certain the site is safe and you trust the source, you can click on 'More information' on the red warning page and select 'Continue to the unsafe site' at your own risk. You can also report it as a safe site using the 'Report that this site does not contain threats' link.
Why am I seeing an 'insecure website' warning?
Edge displays this warning when a site has been flagged by SmartScreen for phishing, malware, or if the website has an expired, mismatched, or invalid SSL certificate, meaning your connection is not private.
