From the ZenTransfer Blog

How to Bypass Windows SmartScreen for ZenTransfer Desktop App

Learn how to safely install ZenTransfer Desktop App on Windows by bypassing SmartScreen warnings that appear because the app is not code-signed.

How to Bypass Windows SmartScreen for ZenTransfer Desktop App

When downloading and installing the ZenTransfer Desktop App on Windows, you may encounter Windows SmartScreen warnings. This is normal behavior for applications that aren't code-signed or widely downloaded yet. ZenTransfer is completely safe to install - it's free, open source software that helps you transfer photos and files seamlessly.

Why Does This Happen?

Windows SmartScreen protects users by checking downloaded files against a database of known applications. Since ZenTransfer is a newer application and not yet code-signed (which requires expensive certificates), Windows may display warnings during installation.

We are slowly building a subscriber base on zentransfer.io, and will purchase a certificate and sign the application as soon as that is financially viable. You can support by subscribing to the service or through a one-time donation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install ZenTransfer

Follow these simple steps to safely install ZenTransfer on your Windows computer:

Step 1: Download the Installer

When you download ZenTransferSetup.exe, your browser most likely will show a warning. Click the menu button (three dots) and select "Keep" to proceed with the download.

Browser download warning

Step 2: Keep the Download

Click "Keep" to confirm you want to download the file. You can help other users by clicking "Report this file as safe".

Keep download confirmation

Step 3: SmartScreen is insisting

Windows requires you to be insistent on this. Click the "Show more" link to see the final option.

Windows SmartScreen warning

Step 4: Final step

You can now see and click the "Keep anyway" link. This is the final step and will save the file to your computer (most likely the Downloads folder).

Run anyway button

Step 5: Final step

You can now start the installer, and as the application starts you should see the loading screen of ZenTransfer.

Installation starting

Step 6: Not the final step?

You may also see the screen below, if so, hit the Run anyway.

Installation starting

Is ZenTransfer Safe?

Yes! ZenTransfer is completely safe to install and use:

  • Open Source: The desktop app source code is publicly available
  • No Malware: The application contains no viruses, malware, or unwanted software
  • Privacy Focused: We don't collect unnecessary personal data
  • Transparent: All our processes and code are open for review

Alternative: Disable SmartScreen (Not Recommended)

While we don't recommend disabling Windows security features, advanced users can temporarily disable SmartScreen through Windows Security settings. However, using the "Run anyway" option above is much safer and maintains your system's security.

Getting fed up with this?

Support ZenTransfer by making a donation and we'll be a bit closer to financing the certificate we need to sign the code and avoid this hassle for all of you.

Other browsers

These examples are taken from Edge, as installed by default on a clean Windows 11 machine. If you are using other browsers such as Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Vivaldi, Opera etc the experience may differ somewhat. Since you are the browser-concious type, I assume you can figure this one out!

Need More Help?

If you encounter any issues during installation or have questions about ZenTransfer, please: