Protect against potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) using Microsoft Edge

What are the potentially unwanted applications?

The Potentially Unwanted Applications are classified as grayware. These applications are being installed in the users' computer or mobile device which may pose a high risk or untoward impact on the security and/or privacy of the users' device.

These applications aren't considered to be viruses or malware, but these might perform actions on endpoints that adversely affect endpoint performance or use.

How to stay protected against potentially unwanted applications?

If you are using Microsoft Edge (version 80.0.361.50 or later), follow the simple mentioned steps below to protect your system against potentially unwanted applications (PUAs):

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser and navigate to its Settings page.
2. Select the Privacy and services menu from the left navigation pane.
3. Scroll down to the Services section.
4. Toggle on the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen switch.
5. Now toggle on the Block potentially unwanted apps switch.

This will turn on an extra security layer on your Microsoft Edge browser and start protecting you from any potentially unwanted applications and URLs.