A PUP is a potentially unwanted program: software that may be legitimate or installed with your consent, yet behaves in ways you did not want. Microsoft commonly calls this kind of software a potentially unwanted application, or PUA. A PUP or PUA alert is a reason to review the software—not proof by itself that your PC has a virus or is compromised.
What does PUP mean?
PUP stands for potentially unwanted program. Microsoft’s support materials more often use PUA, meaning potentially unwanted application. Security products use these labels for software that may be unwanted because of its behavior, how it was installed, or how much control it gives the user. Definitions and detection criteria can differ by security vendor, so an alert should be read in the context of the product that issued it.
Microsoft says PUAs are not malware, although they may display unwanted advertising, offer additional software, use a computer’s resources for cryptomining, or do other things a user would prefer not to have happen. Its classification criteria include advertising and bundling software, as well as behaviors affecting user choice, control, installation, removal, and advertising. Microsoft identifies torrent and cryptomining software as enterprise-only categories in those criteria. Microsoft’s PUA and malware identification criteria explain the scope.
Why might software be classified as a PUP?
The key concern is often whether the user understood and agreed to what the software does. Under Microsoft’s criteria, examples include software that does not clearly explain its function or when it is active, installs extra software without clearly describing its relationship to the main app, redirects web traffic without notice and consent, or changes webpage content without consent. Making a program difficult or confusing to uninstall is another example. Microsoft also says software that changes the browsing experience must use the browser’s supported extensibility model.
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These examples do not mean every bundled app, advertisement, or detection is malicious. The “potentially unwanted” classification signals that behavior or reputation warrants attention; it is not a universal verdict that a file is a virus, steals data, or has compromised the device. Microsoft notes that files can be incorrectly flagged and provides a way to report suspected false positives.
What to do when Windows Security detects a PUP or PUA
Start by identifying the detection and the software or file associated with it. Then decide whether you recognize and want that software. Microsoft’s general support guidance recommends removing software you do not need, updating Microsoft Defender Antivirus security intelligence, and running a full scan. If the unwanted software persists, Microsoft also points to Microsoft Defender Offline. These steps are general guidance, not a guarantee that every detection will be removed.
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- Review the alert. In Windows Security, check the detection name and the file or app location shown. Consider whether the associated download or program is one you intended to install.
- Uninstall software you do not want. Use Windows’ normal Apps settings to remove an unwanted application rather than opening or running it again.
- Update Defender and scan. Update Microsoft Defender Antivirus security intelligence, then run a full scan. If the unwanted software remains, follow Microsoft’s guidance on using Microsoft Defender Offline.
- Choose an action for a detected item. Microsoft’s Windows 10 support instructions say a detected PUA can remain blocked until you select an action and start it. A repeated detection may therefore continue to appear before you take that action. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 guidance on potentially unwanted applications.
For broader guidance on scans and unwanted software, see Microsoft Support’s Protect your PC from unwanted software.
How PUA blocking works in Windows 10
Microsoft’s Windows 10 support page places PUA controls at Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. It distinguishes two controls: “block apps” can detect an app after download or installation, while “block downloads” applies only to Microsoft Edge. Blocking is not the same thing as removing an item; the detected PUA may remain blocked until you choose an action.
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These are instructions scoped to Windows 10 support material, not a verified universal path for every current Windows build or organization-managed PC. Settings may differ by version, and an organization may restrict them. Microsoft says Windows 10 gained PUA blocking with the May 2020 Update and that protection was set on by default starting in early August 2021; see Microsoft’s Windows 10 rollout information.
Microsoft Edge’s PUA controls have also changed over time. A Microsoft Edge Team post from February 27, 2020 described blocking in the then-new Edge starting with version 80.0.338.0, when the feature was off by default; it also said download blocking required Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. That dated account is historical context, not guidance about current Edge defaults. Read the 2020 Microsoft Edge post.
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What if you think the detection is wrong?
If Microsoft Edge flags a file you believe is safe, Microsoft Support describes reporting it as safe from the download alert’s menu. Microsoft’s Edge Team also documented a route for reporting an app as reputable. A report may need vendor review; it does not guarantee an immediate change to a detection. Microsoft’s instructions for reporting a file as safe in Edge explain the support route. Microsoft has also discussed how it handles classification and false-positive reports in its 2018 false-positive article.
How to reduce the chance of unwanted software
- Download apps from trusted sources, such as Microsoft Store, a publisher’s official website, or a reputable app store.
- Read installer screens carefully and decline optional software you do not want.
- Check the publisher’s identity and reputation, and consider app reviews before installing.
- Keep Windows, browsers, apps, and antivirus protection updated.
These precautions reduce surprises without assuming that all freeware or bundled software is harmful. The practical goal is to understand what an installer proposes and retain control over what gets installed.
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