Windows 10 now blocks Potentially Unwanted Apps (PUA) by default

• Windows 10 will now protect your PC from Potentially Unwanted Apps starting August 2021.
• These apps are not malware, but they can slow performance and install other harmful apps.

Microsoft says that Windows 10 devices will now be protected automatically from Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA). On Windows 10, PUA is what defines low-reputation applications that are not considered malware, but they can significantly slow down your device, display unwanted advertisements, or software that can install other malicious programs.

The feature is not new. It first appeared as a feature part of the Windows Security app with the release of the May 2020 Update, but it was an optional feature. However, now, Microsoft is flipping the switch to enable the feature by default moving forward, but only for devices using Microsoft Defender Antivirus. If you use a third-party anti-malware solution, this feature won’t be enabled by default.

If you want to take control of the Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA) feature, you can use this guide, which includes all the steps to enable or disable the setting and review the apps that have been blocked.

You can check whether the PUA is enabled on Windows Security > App & browser control, click the Reputation-based protection settings option, and ensure that the “Potentially unwanted app blocking” option is turned on.