How to Enable Adware or PUA Protection in Windows Defender

In the Group Policy Management Editor, go to Computer configuration and select Administrative templates. Expand the tree to Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Double-click Configure detection for potentially unwanted applications. Select Enabled to enable PUA protection.

1. Can Windows Defender detect adware?
2. What is Pua protection?
3. How do I turn on Virus Threat Protection in Windows Defender?
4. How do I get rid of Pua virus?
5. How do I know if I have Adware?
6. How do I stop adware?
7. How do I fix Windows Defender SmartScreen?
8. How do I run a potentially unwanted program?
9. How do I turn on reputation based protection?
10. Why can't I turn on Windows Defender?
11. Why is my Windows Defender antivirus turned off?
12. Does Windows Defender automatically remove threats?

Can Windows Defender detect adware?

Windows Defender can detect and remove malware and viruses, but it doesn't catch Potentially Unwanted Programs or crapware by default. However, there is an opt-in feature which you can enable by editing the registry, to make Windows Defender scan and eliminate adware, PUAs or PUPs in real-time.

What is Pua protection?

The potentially unwanted application (PUA) protection feature in Microsoft Defender Antivirus can detect and block PUAs on endpoints in your network. ... Microsoft Defender Antivirus blocks detected PUA files and any attempts to download, move, run, or install them.

How do I turn on Virus Threat Protection in Windows Defender?

Turn on real-time and cloud-delivered protection

1. Select the Start menu.
2. In the search bar, type Windows Security. ...
3. Select Virus & threat protection.
4. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
5. Flip each switch under Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection to turn them on.

How do I get rid of Pua virus?

How to remove PUA. InstallIQ Adware (Virus Removal Guide)

1. STEP 1: Use Malwarebytes to remove PUA. InstallIQ Adware.
2. STEP 2: Use HitmanPro to Scan for Malware and Unwanted Programs.
3. STEP 3: Double-check for malicious programs with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
4. STEP 4: Reset your browser to default settings.

How do I know if I have Adware?

What are the Signs that You Have Adware?

1. Endless streams of popup ads.
2. Adult content popup ads.
3. Links that redirect you to a different website than the one it was supposed to.
4. Sluggish boot time on your computer and internet.
5. Ads appearing on your computer without visiting the internet.

How do I stop adware?

Go to the Applications section in your settings, find the troublesome application, clear the cache and data, then uninstall it. But if you can't find a specific bad apple, removing all the most recently downloaded apps could do the trick. Don't forget to restart your phone!

How do I fix Windows Defender SmartScreen?

Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Action Center. Expand the “Security” section, locate Windows SmartScreen in the list, and click “Change settings” under it. You can then choose what Windows does with unrecognized programs.

How do I run a potentially unwanted program?

You can restore any program that Windows Defender put into Quarantine and potentially unwanted programs are no exception to that.

1. Use Windows-I to open the Settings application.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Security.
3. Select "Open Windows Security".
4. Go to Virus & threat protection.
5. Click on "Threat history".

How do I turn on reputation based protection?

Launch Settings by Win + X > Settings. Now, select Updates & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security. Click on Reputation-based protection settings from the Reputation-based protection section. Finally, use the toggle to enable or disable Potentially unwanted app blocking.

Why can't I turn on Windows Defender?

So it's best to search your PC if you're not sure if security software is installed or not. Once it' removed you may need to turn it manually back on. Type “Windows Defender” in the search box and then press Enter. Click Settings and make sure there is a checkmark on Turn on real-time protection recommend.

Why is my Windows Defender antivirus turned off?

If Windows Defender is turned off, this may be because you have another antivirus app installed on your machine (check Control Panel, System and Security, Security and Maintenance to make sure). You should turn off and uninstall this app before running Windows Defender to avoid any software clashes.

Does Windows Defender automatically remove threats?

This is to ensure you are protected from malware and threats. If you install another antivirus product, Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically disables itself and is indicated as such in the Windows Security app.