Starting this month, Microsoft will block all the potentially unwanted apps in its Windows 10, to safeguard users from any malicious software.
This feature has been present in the Windows Defender for a long, and now becoming a default option in Windows 10 2004 and later. Users can always choose to turn off this option but is recommended for safe use.
PWA Blocking in Windows 10
Considering the constant rise of cyber threats, Microsoft has embedded the blocking feature of Potentially Unwanted Apps (PWA) in Windows Defender back in 2015.
While it’s has been helpful ever since it was left as a choice for the users. But now, to safeguard their usage experience, Microsoft is making this support default in Windows 10 2004 and later versions, as per a support document published last weekend.
It said, “Starting in early August 2021 we’ll begin turning it on by default to make it easier for you to keep your systems performing at their best.”
Potentially Unwanted Apps (PWA) in general, are not always malware software but also adware or resource-consuming apps that are useless. They sneak into the system under the guise of various reasons and impact its performance ultimately.
Thus, it’s good that they’re blocked when found, by default. There are chances that Microsoft may block legitimate apps sometimes. Thus, you can disable it on choice through Start Menu > Settings > Update and Security > Windows Security > App and browser control in the left sidebar.
Here, choose “Reputation-based protection settings” and then toggle off the “Potentially unwanted app blocking“. This feature comes in two modes – blocking apps through Windows 10 OS and blocking suspicious downloads through Edge browser.
And since it is said to be rolling out starting August, eligible users (running on Windows 10 2004 and later) should see it by now.