Windows Installation Help
If Windows is blocking ClickNotes from installing or running, here’s how to get past it safely.
ClickNotes is safe to install. Windows sometimes blocks new software from small developers because it hasn’t seen enough downloads yet to build a trust score. This is a known issue affecting thousands of independent software makers — not a reflection of anything wrong with the app itself.
Windows Defender SmartScreen Warning
You see: “Windows protected your PC” or “Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting”
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Click “More info”
This small text link appears below the warning message. It’s easy to miss — look for it near the bottom of the dialog.
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Click “Run anyway”
A new button will appear after clicking “More info”. This tells Windows you trust this file and want to proceed with installation.
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Continue installation as normal
The ClickNotes installer will open and guide you through the rest of the setup. You’ll only need to do this once.
Smart App Control Blocked This App
You see: “Smart App Control has blocked this app” with no option to proceed
Smart App Control is a stricter security feature in Windows 11 that blocks apps entirely — without a “Run anyway” option. Here’s how to handle it:
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Open Windows Security
Press the Start button and search for Windows Security, then open it.
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Go to App & Browser Control
In the Windows Security sidebar, click App & browser control.
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Click Smart App Control settings
You’ll see the current Smart App Control status. Click to open its settings.
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Switch Smart App Control to Off
Toggle it off temporarily so you can install ClickNotes.
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Install ClickNotes
Run the installer. Once installation is complete, you can turn Smart App Control back on.
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Turn Smart App Control back on
Go back to the same settings page and re-enable it. Your other apps and protection will continue working as before.
On older Windows 11 versions, turning off Smart App Control was permanent — it couldn’t be turned back on without resetting Windows. Microsoft has fixed this in recent updates. Make sure your Windows is up to date before toggling it off.
Downloaded File is Blocked
The installer doesn’t run at all, or you see a message about the file being blocked
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Find the downloaded installer file
Usually in your Downloads folder. The file is called something like ClickNotes-Setup.exe.
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Right-click the file and select Properties
A properties dialog will open showing details about the file.
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Check the “Unblock” checkbox
At the bottom of the General tab, you may see a security message with an “Unblock” checkbox. Tick it.
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Click Apply, then OK
Now try running the installer again. It should work without any blocks.
Why does Windows block ClickNotes?
Windows uses a reputation-based system to decide whether to trust software. Apps from large companies like Microsoft or Adobe have been downloaded millions of times, so Windows trusts them automatically.
Newer apps from smaller developers — even when they’re perfectly safe — haven’t built up that download history yet. Windows errs on the side of caution and shows a warning, or blocks the app entirely if Smart App Control is enabled.
As more people install ClickNotes, Windows will learn to trust it and these warnings will disappear. Every installation helps build that trust score.
This is a common challenge for independent software developers. It doesn’t mean the software is unsafe — it just means Windows hasn’t seen it enough times yet.
Still having trouble?
If you’re unable to install ClickNotes after following these steps, get in touch and we’ll help you get set up.