Windows 10 May 2020 Update’s best new feature will help keep your PC secure

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By Matt Hanson
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New security feature blocks unwanted apps

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Windows 10 May 2020 Update is imminent, and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic upgrade that brings numerous new features to Windows 10, but perhaps its best addition is a new security tool that will help prevent unwanted or malicious apps installing themselves on your PC.

The Windows 10 May 2020 Update adds the new tool to Windows Defender, the built-in security app in Windows 10. It’s called Reputation-based Protection, and it will allow users to block unwanted applications that are bundled in with genuine app installers from installing.

You may have noticed in the past that when installing one app, part of the installation process involves installing a different app, or browser plugin or extension, and you may find your PC filling up with unwanted applications.

Not only is this annoying, but some of them can be security risks, but the Reputation-based Protection tool should help prevent that. When an unwanted app tries to install itself, it will be blocked, and you’ll receive a notification explaining what had happened.

You can then allow the app to install (if it’s something you want to have), or quarantine it – which means it won’t be installed.

This should make it easy for people to keep their PCs safe and secure by only installing the apps they actually want to install. It’s a welcome addition to the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, but you’ll need to turn it on first.

How to turn on Reputation-based Protection

When you’ve installed the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, open up the Settings app (you can get to it by opening the Start menu then clicking on the icon of the cog). Click ‘Update & Security’, then select ‘Windows Security > App & browser control’.

From there, you should see ‘Reputation-based Protection Settings'. Click it, then enable ‘Potentially Unwanted app blocking’ and choose ‘Block apps’ and ‘Block downloads’.

This will enable the feature and block unwanted apps, even if you’re using third party antivirus software.

Hopefully the Windows 10 May 2020 Update will be made available to Windows 10 users soon, as May is quickly drawing to a close.

Via Techdows

Matt Hanson
Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he's loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.