Windows 10 to block torrents and mining softwares starting from August

Microsoft has announced that from August 2021, potentially unwanted applications (PUA) will be blocked by default for Windows 10. But this option can be disabled, or you can make a list of the programs you want to exclude. Here’s how to do it.

What is PUA?

Potentially unwanted applications are not malicious like viruses but can cause your device to run slowly, display unexpected ads, or install other software. PUAs include torrent clients, mining programs, marketing software that monitors user activity and transfers this data to third parties, so-called bundles — programs that offer to install other unrelated applications, and others.

The option to block such applications was added to the OS back in May 2020. However, from August 2021, such apps will be blocked by default by Windows 10 security systems.

How to enable them

There are two options: deactivate PUA blocking or add the necessary programs to the exclusions in Windows 10 Defender.

How to turn off the PUA blocking:

• Go to Windows Security and then to App & browser control.
• After that, find the section Reputation-based protection and select Reputation-based protection settings.
• Then find there the Block potentially unwanted application option and set its settings as you need:

How to add the desired programs in Windows Defender exclusions:

• Go to Windows Security and then to Virus & threat protection.
• Under Virus & threat protection, select Manage settings.
• Under Exclusions, select Add or remove exclusions.