Microsoft Edge Will Soon Allow Users to Block ‘Potentially Unwanted Apps’

Following Google, the other tech giant Microsoft also seems busy making privacy updates in its browser. As revealed recently, Microsoft plans to introduce a feature in its Edge browser that will block ‘potentially unwanted apps’.

Microsoft Edge To Block Unwanted Apps

Reportedly, Microsoft is planning to launch a new security feature in its Edge browser. It will facilitate users in the future to have a safe and secure browsing experience. Specifically, Microsoft Edge will allow users to block unwanted apps.

As revealed by Techdows, this user control will be available as a dedicated setting to block what Microsoft calls ‘potentially unwanted apps’ or PUAs.

Turning on this feature will protect users from downloading ‘low-reputation’ applications. Therefore, it will certainly fend off any malicious attacks via different apps. This explicitly includes protection against apps or programs that display ads, conduct unwanted redirects, hijack the browser, or perform other such activities. This tool might also protect the users from all those applications that stealthily download to a device without explicit consent by the user.

Presently, Microsoft Edge already provides a secure browsing experience to the users as it brings integrated Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. This feature protects the user from downloading malicious files in case the user navigates to any malicious sites.

Feature Available In Microsoft Edge Canary 79

Fortunately, the new privacy feature is now available to the users with Microsoft Edge Canary 79. Users having Edge Canary 79.0.280.0 or later on their device can get their hands on this new tool.

To access the feature, simply follow these steps.

1. Go to the edge://flags page.
2. Look for the relevant option by typing ‘unwanted’ in the search bar.
3. The relevant ‘Microsoft Defender SmartScreen PUA Support’ flag appears on the screen. Check if it is ‘enabled’. If the flag status appears as ‘default’, change it to ‘enabled’.
4. Relaunch the browser to access the new setting ‘Block potentially unwanted apps’. Turn On this feature to experience secure browsing.

Recently, the same source also revealed about Google’s plans to block third-party cookies by default in Chrome browser. The feature is also presently available with Chrome Canary 78.

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