Windows 10 will start blocking PUAs: what it means and how to configure it

Windows 10 will start Automatically block unwanted programs Starting this month, using Microsoft Defender antivirus and Microsoft Edge browser.

The function is used for those applications known as puppy, A term used to refer to software that may be considered malicious or unwanted according to certain criteria.

This legitimate program classified as a PUP is due, in many cases, to bad practices of its developer (deceptive distribution methods, bad privacy, excessive inclusion of ads) or controversial functionality (changing system settings, mining for cryptocurrencies).

How to set app lock

Microsoft’s operating system has an option in the Security section called “Block potentially unwanted applications”, which has been disabled by default since its launch.

However, Microsoft will now enable this option to “make it easier for the user to operate their systems at peak performance,” the company announced in this week’s support bulletin.

The configuration can be changed (either to enable it before Microsoft does this, or to disable it if it has already done so) by accessing “Application and browser control > Reputation-based protection > Block potentially unwanted applications” in the Windows Security section.

The tool also features Two options: “Block applications” and “Block downloads”.
By enabling the former, Microsoft Defender will start including PUPs in regular file scans in real time, while with the latter, Edge SmartScreen will leave the job of removing newly downloaded files.