Microsoft has been giving users full control over how Windows 10 handles Potentially Unwanted Applications. Since the release of the Windows 10 May 2020 Update last year, a feature for blocking PUAs has been available. Microsoft is now making a tweak to this feature to make it automatic on Windows 10.
Since last year, Microsoft Defender has held a feature that allows users to block Potentially Unwanted Applications. However, it has been turned off my default, with users needing to choose the option to prevent PUAs installing.
Microsoft says it will now turn this feature on by default. This means PUAs will be blocked automatically, and users will need to toggle the feature off it they don't want it.
PUAs are apps that have been installed on a machine without the knowledge or consent of the user. An example of a potentially unwanted app is an application that has been bundled in with a program you may want to download.
It is worth noting, the “P” in PUA is important. It means an app is potentially unwanted but not necessarily dangerous or bad for the user.
Default Blocker
Microsoft Defender spots PUAs and sends a notification to the user to take action. Again, the action may be nothing if the app question is something you want to use. Managing Potentially Unwanted Applications is done through the Virus & threat protection section of Windows Security (Settings app).
It is worth noting until you take action on the notification, Microsoft Defender will continue to block the PUA. However, it will not be removed so you may get pinged with more notifications. Because Microsoft is reversing the process and making the blocker on by default, you may want to turn it off.
You can do this via Windows Security app > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection.
Tip of the Day: Did you know you can use Windows 10´s built in antivirus Microsoft Defender also with scheduled scans? In our tutorial we give you step-by-step instructions on how to program your personal scan-schedule to keep your free of malware.
Last Updated on February 14, 2022 8:23 pm CET by Luke Jones
