Windows 10 May 2020 Update is expected to debut in the coming weeks, and among the news compared to the current versions there will be one aimed at security. Through a new feature, in fact, Windows 10 will be able to detect and block the installation of potentially unwanted applications (potentially unwanted application, PUA). ZDNet spotted the news, who discovered a Microsoft support document that mentions it.
The next feature update will have a dedicated option on Windows Defender that will allow you to block the installation of known unwanted programs or applications. This is not a completely new feature, but the inclusion in the OS settings will give it greater visibility and make it easier for users to manage. Previously, in fact, the possibility was guaranteed only through the Group Policy settings.
With Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004) Windows Defender will actively deal with PUAs, and the functionality will be accessible through the Settings screen. The potentially unwanted applications (PUA) are in this case programs that are installed on the system through legitimate application installers. An example? CCleaner, a useful and harmless app, which during installation tries to install the Avast antivirus as well.
In this case, Avast is the "potentially unwanted" app: even if in fact it is not a harmful app, the user could inadvertently install it on your system and find it without wanting it. Microsoft has long been fighting potentially unwanted apps: for example the new Edge has enabled a block for the download of PUAs, but with the new feature update it will be the same Windows Defender to protect the user at the system level and not just the browser .
Windows 10 May 2020 Update, how to enable the blocking of unwanted apps
According to what Microsoft writes, the protection will be disabled by default and can be enabled through the operating system Settings (on Update and security > Windows security > App and browser control > Reputation-based security settings. Once activated, Microsoft recommends activating two additional settings (App lock is Block download) in the section "Blocking potentially unwanted apps".
Windows 10 May 2020 Update is expected to arrive later this month, probably on May 28th. It is already possible to download and install it for Insider users, while in the link below you will find all the main news of Windows 10 2004.