If you tried to install Syncra on Windows 11 and saw a message that Smart App Control blocked an app that may be unsafe, you’re not alone, and your PC is fine. Here’s what’s going on and how to get Syncra running.
Why Windows blocks Syncra
Smart App Control is a Windows 11 security feature that only allows apps it can vouch for. An app passes if Microsoft’s cloud service already knows it, or if it’s code-signed with a certificate Microsoft trusts.
Syncra is a new app from a small team, and our Windows installer isn’t code-signed yet. That’s the whole reason it’s blocked. The block isn’t a sign that anything harmful was found. We’re setting up Windows code signing now, and once signed builds ship, Smart App Control should let Syncra install normally.
Until then, you have a few options, easiest first.
Option 1: Use the Syncra web app (recommended)
The Syncra web app runs in any browser, so there’s nothing to install and Smart App Control never gets involved. Sign in with the same account you use on your phone and your clipboard history is right there.
- Open app.syncraapp.com in Edge, Chrome or Firefox.
- Sign in to your Syncra account.
- To send something to your other devices, paste it into Syncra (
Ctrl + V). To use something from your phone, click its Copy button.
One difference from the desktop app: browsers don’t let websites read your clipboard in the background, so the web app won’t pick up your copies automatically. You paste items in yourself. Pin the tab or install it as an app from your browser’s menu so it’s always one click away.
Option 2: Seeing “Windows protected your PC”? That’s SmartScreen
If the message you got says Windows protected your PC and doesn’t mention Smart App Control, it’s a different, gentler feature called Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. That one you can get past:
- Click More info.
- Click Run anyway.
- The installer starts normally.
Option 3: Turn off Smart App Control (last resort)
You can turn Smart App Control off, which lets the desktop app install. Read this first:
- It lowers your PC’s protection. Microsoft Defender Antivirus keeps running, but Smart App Control stops screening apps before they run.
- On many PCs you can’t turn it back on without resetting or reinstalling Windows. Newer Windows 11 updates are starting to change this, but don’t count on it.
- If this is a work or school computer, ask your IT team instead. They may not allow it.
If you’ve decided it’s right for you:
- Open the Start menu and search for Windows Security.
- Go to App & browser control.
- Under Smart App Control, click Smart App Control settings.
- Choose Off and confirm.
- Run the Syncra installer from the download page again.
If you’re unsure, stick with the web app for now. Signed Windows builds are on the way, and once they’re out you won’t need to change anything.
Still stuck?
Email us at support@nomaddevs.net with a screenshot of the message you see and your Windows version (Settings → System → About). We’ll help you get set up.