Microsoft has expanded Potentially Unwanted app (PUA) Protection in the new Microsoft Edge browser to Windows 10, with May 2020 Update version 2004.
Though built-in Antivirus in Windows 10, Windows Defender can block Potentially Unwanted Apps or Potentially Unwanted Programs, known as PUAs or PUPs via group policies or Powershell or registry, till now Windows 10 Security center neither offered a setting nor blocked the unwanted software natively.
Beginning with Windows 10 v2004, Microsoft offers a setting to block PUAs under “Reputation-based Protection” in Windows Security and is turned off by default.
By enabling PUA protection your PC will be protected against apps that come bundled with legitimate installers. These low-reputation apps are not classified as malware but may cause system slowdown, show ads, and exhibit unexpected behaviors.
Microsoft recommends enabling the feature in Windows 10, here is how you can do that.
Enable Potentially Unwanted App blocking in Windows 10
- Visit Start menu > Settings
- Click Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control
- Open Reputation-based Protection Settings,
- Enable “Potentially Unwanted app blocking” and select “Block apps” and “Block downloads”.
Selecting Block Apps will make Windows Defender detect and block PUAs you’re downloading or downloaded to the device even if you’re using third-party antivirus, instead of the Windows Security app.
Selecting Block Downloads will make Windows Defender check PUAs that being downloaded in the Microsoft Edge browser. This Setting will be synchronized with Microsoft Edge stable.
ICYDKN, you can enable PUA protection in the new Edge browser by visiting Settings > Privacy and services > Services > Block Potentially Unwanted apps.
You can filter the protection history by recommendations, Quarantined items, and blocked items.
When Windows Defender blocks a PUA, you’ll be notified about it via a notification from Action Center to visit Windows Security to take an action.
App& browser control
Potentially Unwanted App found. To review your options go to Windows Security
Clicking Notification opens Windows Security with information about the threat and its severity level.
Clicking “Start Actions” will offer options to Remove, Quarantine, and Allow PUA on the device. Generally, you better Quarantine the threat and remove or allow it if it is not a PUA according to your knowledge.
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