Windows 10 how to stop unwanted app downloads

I read that the Block Downloads setting is controlled in Edge settings, so how can I enable this setting machine wide using a registry setting or powershell command?

Attachments: Up to 10 attachments including images can be used with a maximum of 3. Based on my understanding, you want to enable Block Downloads option via registry or PowerShell. Search the community and support articles Windows Windows 10 Search Community member.

Lina Charlotte Frost. I am using Windows This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. If you download a lot of third-party utilities, you may already have run into a potentially unwanted application PUA , also called a potentially unwanted program PUP. The terms most often describe a bundled piece of adware, or—worse—a small additional application that slowly mines cryptocurrency in the background. Microsoft: Windows Installer breaks apps after updates, repairs.

This sounds good on the surface, but i'm sure Microsoft will abuse it in some way. I"ve already had windows 10 uninstall VLC on me once, i don't need MS telling me what apps i'm "allowed" to use. Heck, if I leave Windows 10 at the defaults after installation it appears to be malware-ish. And talk about "send usage data without permission"! That's called malware Funny how those unwanted Windows Security apps Microsoft provides can't find the malware huh?

Not a member yet? Register Now. To receive periodic updates and news from BleepingComputer , please use the form below. Malwarebytes for Mac. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Farbar Recovery Scan Tool. Windows Repair All In One. Block apps will detect PUA that you've already downloaded or installed, so if you're using a different browser Windows Security can still detect PUA after you've downloaded it.

Block downloads looks for PUA as it's being downloaded, but it only works with the new Microsoft Edge browser.

When Windows Security detects a potentially unwanted app you'll get a notification encouraging you to take action on it. Note: You may not have all of the options shown in the sample below. Important: Until you select an action to take, and have Windows Security take that action, the PUA that was detected is only blocked on your system; it's not removed. Future scans may continue to detect the PUA until you take action. Protect your PC from unwanted software.