Potentially unwanted apps will now be blocked by default in Windows

I keep it turned of, as it doesn't like Ccleaner, and a couple of other safe(portable) apps I download or install.
It is a real PIA to have to click 5 or 6 times, reporting it IS safe every time I download.
Even in EDGE it doesn't respect the setting and I need to use Chrome if I want to avoid the select and click is it safe game.

Cliff S said:

I keep it turned of, as it doesn't like Ccleaner, and a couple of other safe(portable) apps I download or install.
It is a real PIA to have to click 5 or 6 times, reporting it IS safe every time I download.
Even in EDGE it doesn't respect the setting and I need to use Chrome if I want to avoid the select and click is it safe game.

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Isnt CCleaner pretty much pointless now and much more likely to just cause a problem?

I use Bitdefender Pro 2021 which takes control of defender - It seems to check any alerts from defender and pass them on to me with an option to allow or not.

I like this as I can control my system

Really should have an exclusion list.

derekamoss said:

Isnt CCleaner pretty much pointless now and much more likely to just cause a problem?

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Absolutely not.(the portable version anyhow)

barman58 said:

I use Bitdefender Pro 2021 which takes control of defender - It seems to check any alerts from defender and pass them on to me with an option to allow or not.

I like this as I can control my system

Click to expand...

I'm using Eset Internet Security on all of my computers running Windows 11. My wife's laptop running Windows 10 is using Windows Defender.

I second that. I'm using ESET for a long time now, never had problems with it. It's fully customizable and let's me keep all kinds of apps from calling home (I firmly believe that any worthwhile program should work without any network connection, with the obvious exception of a browser).

geneo said:

Really should have an exclusion list.

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I do keep an exclusion list. For a handful of apps Defender doesn't care for. Also, little OT, I use the exclusion list to ignore any and all MBAM processes, and in MBAM's exclusion list I ignore any and all Defender processes. They have gotten much better at co-existence.

Cliff S said:

Absolutely not.(the portable version anyhow)

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Ah, I haven't kept up with much about it for a while. Good to know, TY.

I welcome the default blocking

Is there a way to add 'unwanted apps' ?

I can;'t see Microsoft being too happy to include that - users would just add a load of unneeded MS apps like Edge

MS is getting a bit out of hand.
Un-tweakable right click context menu.
Deciding on what is a PUA and what isn't.
Taking things from Windows, then selling them back in the Store.
Rewriting the EULA and TOS for already sold products, whenever they want.

Haydon said:

Is there a way to add 'unwanted apps' ?

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barman58 said:

I can;'t see Microsoft being too happy to include that - users would just add a load of unneeded MS apps like Edge

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Anyone can recommend a really easy to use firewall?

I gave up on my previous attempt, but I still have the old machine with the 2 Ethernet ports. I will also consider a hardware firewall, thanks!

Ghot said:

MS is getting a bit out of hand.

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Were they ever in hand?

Ghot said:

Un-tweakable right click context menu.

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In fairness, we don't know this is permanent. I'm still hoping there will be a setting to make this new shortened right click on for use on touchscreens / tablets.

Ghot said:

Deciding on what is a PUA and what isn't.

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Just like every AV / AM suite does already.

For example, Malwarebytes' Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) that by default it warns you about.

Ghot said:

Taking things from Windows, then selling them back in the Store.

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Not sure about selling - but moving components (without cost) to the store actually makes a ton of sense. Those who want it, install it., it gets automagically updated when the store has a new version. Those that don't want it never install it.

I've got several things from Microsoft installed from the store - not a dime paid.

Now, it does get a bit complicated for those who don't want to use the store at all. But a good number of things in the store are also available for individual download from their official GitHub repositories, so all is not lost.

Ghot said:

Rewriting the EULA and TOS for already sold products, whenever they want.

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yeah, I feel you on this one - this is definitely out of hand - but unfortunately, their EULAs and ToSs clearly state that they can do this. I don't like it anymore than you do - but the ability to change it part of the legality behind them.

Same holds true for most corps, for that matter.