Windows Defender Will Remove Suspicious Cleaning and Optimization Utilities

Microsoft has announced that starting March 1, 2018, the behavior of Windows Defender and other built-in security products will change. The company is taking steps to combat so-called scareware—software that preys on users’ lack of technical knowledge by scaring them into installing additional (often paid) programs of questionable quality, or even contacting scammers posing as technical support.

What Is Scareware?

Scareware typically includes registry cleaners, system optimization tools, and free scanners that claim to detect malware. After performing a “system scan,” these programs usually inform the user that their computer has numerous threats and problems. To fix these issues, the user is prompted to purchase a paid version of the software or download an additional solution, which also comes at a cost.

Microsoft’s New Criteria

Microsoft has now established clear criteria for identifying applications that mislead or intimidate users. Such software will be classified as “unwanted,” and Microsoft’s security solutions will automatically remove it.

“Programs must not display alarming or coercive messages, or any other misleading content that pressures users into paying for additional services or performing unnecessary actions,” the company stated in its official announcement.

With this update, Microsoft aims to protect users from deceptive software that uses scare tactics to manipulate them into unnecessary purchases or actions.