Potentially unwanted applications (PUA) are a category of software that can cause your device to run slowly, display unexpected ads, or at worst, install other software which may be more harmful or annoying. PUA isn’t malware, but it is software that you often don’t need and probably don’t want.
Beginning with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update , Microsoft added Potentially Unwanted App blocking for everyone running Windows 10, but customers who wanted to use it had to turn it on.
Starting in early August 2021, Microsoft set PUA protection to be on by default to make it easier for you to keep your systems performing at their best.
To manage PUA protection on your device, in the Windows Security app, go to App & browser control > Reputation-based protection.
Note: If your device is managed by a security team, such as in an organization, you might not be authorized to turn reputation-based protection off.
For more information see Protect your PC from potentially unwanted applications.
