Windows protected your PC: run the Moonpool installer anyway (SmartScreen)

When you run the downloaded moonpool.exe, Windows may show a blue box titled Windows protected your PC, with the line “Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.”

Why it appears

SmartScreen warns about programs that are new or that it has not seen run on many PCs. moonpool.exe is not code-signed, so Windows has no publisher to trust and may show the warning the first time. It is a reputation check, not a finding that the file is malicious.

What to do

1. In the box, click More info. The publisher shows as “Unknown publisher”.
2. Click Run anyway. The install card opens. See Installing.

If you want to be careful first, download only from Moonpool’s official site or its GitHub releases, and check the file name is moonpool.exe.

If there is no Run anyway button

On some managed PCs the administrator turns the option off, and you will see no Run anyway. Ask your administrator, or use a PC you manage. A file that came in a downloaded zip can also carry a block: right-click the file, choose Properties, tick Unblock if it appears, then OK and run it again.

Antivirus warnings

A new unsigned exe that copies itself into your profile and replaces itself on update can also trip antivirus software. If yours blocks or quarantines moonpool.exe, allow it for the .moonpool folder. See Windows.

See also

• Installing
• Windows
• The installer shows an error