How to Configure Reputation-Based Protection in Windows 11

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open Windows Security settings

   Press the Windows key and type Windows Security into the search bar. Select the app from the results to open the security dashboard.

2. 30 sec

   Access App & browser control

   From the main dashboard, click on App & browser control in the left-hand navigation menu. This section manages the security policies for downloaded content.

3. 1 min

   Modify reputation-based protection settings

   Locate the Reputation-based protection section and click the link labeled Reputation-based protection settings. This opens the granular control interface.

4. 1 min

   Enable app and file protection

   Ensure the Check apps and files toggle is set to On. This uses Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to identify unrecognized apps and potentially malicious downloads.

   Note: Keep this enabled to prevent the execution of files that lack a verified reputation.
5. 1 min

   Secure Microsoft Edge browsing

   Set the SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge toggle to On. This protects your browser sessions by blocking malicious websites and downloads encountered while surfing the web.

6. 30 sec

   Enable Potentially Unwanted App (PUA) blocking

   Under the Potentially unwanted app blocking heading, turn the toggle to On. Ensure the Block apps and Block downloads checkboxes are both selected for maximum coverage.

   Note: PUA protection filters out software that may degrade system performance or privacy.