Microsoft’s built-in Windows Defender has had a feature that blocks installation of Potentially Unwanted Apps, (PUAs) since May, 2020. But up until now, it’s been disabled by default, which means users who wanted that protection would have to opt-in by flipping a few switches in their Windows Security settings. Now Microsoft says it’s going to […]
windows defender
Microsoft’s antivirus software is now available for Mac
Microsoft’s Windows operating system has included some form of built-in antivirus software for more than a decade. But the software formerly known as Windows Defender is getting a new name… and for good reason. It’s now called Microsoft Defender, and the company is dropping Windows from the name because it’s no longer a Windows exclusive […]
Microsoft launches Windows Defender Browser Protection for Chrome
Microsoft has released a new plugin for the Google Chrome web browser that helps protect you from phishing attacks by alerting you when you click on a link that would take you to a website that’s known to contain malware. It’s called Windows Defender Browser Protection for Google Chrome and… it sounds a lot like […]
Windows Defender becomes Windows Security (and other changes in Windows 10 build 17093)
Another week, another new preview build of Windows 10 for members of the Windows Insider Preview program. But this week’s update is kind of a big one, and it provides a peek at some changes that’ll make their way to all Windows 10 users later this year. Among other things, Windows 10 Insider Preview Build […]
Windows Defender will start treating scareware cleaner/optimizer apps as malware
Microsoft has announced that its antivirus and anti-malware software will start treating free application that try to scare you into upgrading to paid software as “unwanted software.” That means they’ll be removed by Windows Defender, just like other malware. Microsoft says it’s expanding its definition of unwanted software to include program “that display coercive messaging” […]
Microsoft steps up Edge browser security by running it in a virtual environment
Microsoft is working on a new security feature for Windows 10’s Edge web browser designed to let businesses and other enterprise customers keep computers safe from malware. IT administrators can basically create a list of trusted websites that can be accessed normally. Any time a user opens a site that’s not on that list, Edge will […]
Microsoft now treats some Windows tuneup apps as malware
There are some system cleaner apps for Windows that do a pretty good job of freeing up disk space. Some also claim to free up RAM or improve performance in other ways. Microsoft doesn’t officially take a stance on these apps… but the company is putting putting its foot down in regard to a subset of these […]
Windows Defender Offline Tool scans for viruses before your PC boots
Microsoft has released a new security tool for Windows PCs called Windows Defender Offline Tool which you can use to scan you computer for malware before Windows even boots. Windows Defender Offline is currently in beta, and you can download the installer for free. You’ll then use that utility to set up a bootable CD, DVD, or […]