Potentially Unwanted App Found (Not)

LAHollywood · 26 Jul 2022

Yesterday, I got a notification for a Potentially Unwanted App Found. I briefly went through the steps to find the app, but I got nowhere.

Today, I received another notification so I took the time to research the entire paradigm for discovering the app. I opened Windows Security from the notification. I next went to App and Browser Control. However, there is no [Review] box under Reputation-based Protection. (All the settings in this section are set to Default).

There must be something that is activating the notification, but nothing is showing up either on Microsoft or Malware Fighter. Any assistance would be appreciated as this is already becoming annoying. I am running Version 21H1 (OS Build 19043.1826).

Compumind · 26 Jul 2022

Hi and welcome to Windows Ten Forums!

I would temporarily remove IObit Malware Fighter and just use Windows Defender.

If Windows Security detects the PUA by itself, it should pop up the App and Browser control which allows you to "review" it.
When you click review, it should pop up a another page called Protection History.

Please report back. We can use an alternate (and superior) free malware related software if there is a need to dig deeper.

Thanks.

Ghot · 26 Jul 2022

Ok...

1. a PUA (Potentially Unwanted App), is usually not dangerous, it's just unwanted.
2. You should probably use Malwarebytes rather than Malware Fighter.

Malwarebytes has a long standing, good reputation... and it works.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/solutions/free-antivirus

Another option is the ESET online scanner. Run the ONE-TIME SCAN, found here...
Free Virus Scan | Online Virus Scan from ESET | ESET

Either one of these should take care of your problem.

I've never heard of Malware Fighter, and it doesn't show up on any of the comparisons.

Run

LAHollywood · 29 Jul 2022

1. Bitdefender, which is the core component of IO Bit Malware Fighter, consistently ranks higher than Malwarebytes on the "non-biased" ratings. I used to use a paid copy of Malwarebytes, but I got one of the other apps by IO Bit so I did research on Malware Fighter. After I found out that Malware Fighter was just a beefed up version of Bitdefender, I switched and never went back.

2. There is a reason Windows Defender is always tested against free versions of other anti-malware software. It doesn't even rate in the top 10. The only reason to have it that I have seen consistently in the "pros" section of ratings is that it is free.

3. As for going to the Review box of the Protection History section, you can't go to a Review box that isn't there.

4. Since I posted this, the phantom PUA notice hasn't reappeared so I am guessing that the issue has self-resolved.