Windows 10: Microsoft: Don’t fall for unwanted apps on Windows 10, clean install Windows 11 ASAP

Microsoft has updated its old support document with slight changes in the wording to warn users about unsafe apps on Windows 10, and the need to switch to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

As a Windows user, you must be informed about the types of applications installed on your PC. Apps on Windows OS can be classified into three types: Clean, malware, and unwanted apps.

Clean apps are the ones available on the Microsoft Store or the apps installed on your PC by default. They are apps that Microsoft suggests using on a Windows computer. The malware-laced apps need no introduction. Installing such apps from untrusted sources opens the door to virus attacks on your PC.

Finally, in the grey zone of the app category triad, there are the potentially unwanted apps, or PUAs. They may not hide any potential malware within them, but such apps are not found on the Microsoft Store. Users download their setup files from unofficial sources. Also, these apps will push specific services that you do not intend to use.

Microsoft advises users still running Windows 10 to step up their PC experience by switching to Windows 11 through a clean installation. Windows 11 security settings offer different options to block potentially unwanted apps from installing on your PC.

Moreover, Microsoft warns that after October 2025, Windows 10 won’t receive any software or security updates, leaving PCs more vulnerable to attacks. To stay protected, the document suggests upgrading to Windows 11, which comes with improved security features like Smart App Control and safeguards against unwanted apps.

Microsoft is apparently using these security features as a new selling pointers for those still on Windows 10. But how do you go ahead and replace Windows 10 in a way that you don’t end up adding more bloat to the OS? We’ll explain.

How to Clean Install Windows 11?


While the clean installation of Windows 11 may sound like some highly technical stuff, in reality it is the easiest and safest way to install Windows 11 on a PC.

Using the Media Creation Tool, you have to set up a bootable USB drive, which you will later use to install Windows 11.

Before starting, ensure that you have a seamless and stable WiFi network in your home/office. You need another PC that already runs Windows 11. By connecting the blank USB drive to it, you can create a bootable disk containing Windows 11.

Also, on your Windows 10 PC, back up the important files and app setup files to the cloud, as a clean installation will completely remove existing files on the PC.

1. Grab a blank USB drive with 8GB or more storage capacity and insert it into a PC that already has Windows 11 installed on it.
2. On that PC, Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.
3. Run the Media Creation Tool and accept the TOS.
   
4. Select the Edition of Windows 11 you want to create in the bootable disk.
   
5. Select USB Flash Drive under Which Media to Use.
   
6. Wait for some time for the Windows 11 media bootable disk to complete.
7. Now, insert the bootable USB disk on your PC running Windows 10.
8. Restart your PC and hold the Shift key to boot into Recovery Mode.
9. In the Recovery environment, select Use a Device.
   
10. Select the USB Disk that now contains the Windows 11 media.
    
11. On the setup screen, select the language, time, and keyboard input method.
    
12. Press Install Now to start the Windows 11 clean installation.
    
13. When asked for a product key, press I don’t have a product key as you are already upgrading from Windows 10. Once the setup is complete and the PC connects to the internet, your copy of Windows 11 will be automatically activated.
    
14. Select the Operating System.
    
15. Choose Custom: Install Windows Only.
    
16. Next, select the hard drive partition in which you want Windows 11 to install.
    
17. PC will restart after the setup is complete and will boot into the Windows 11 desktop.
    
18. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

NOTE: You can only upgrade your PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11 if it meets the necessary hardware requirements to run Windows 11.

Configure Settings to Block Potentially Unwanted Apps on Windows 11


Once you step inside Windows 11, make sure to configure your PC to recognize and block low-reputation potentially unwanted apps.

1. Press Windows + I to access the settings home page.
2. Click on Privacy and Security on the left sidebar.
3. Access App and Browser Control.
   
4. Click on Reputation-based Protection settings.
   
5. Enable the toggle for Potentially Unwanted App Blocking.
6. Turn on Block Apps and Block Downloads by pressing the checkbox beside them.
   

Here are a few pointers to avoid installing PUAs. Always download apps from the Microsoft Store. Regularly install Windows 11 updates to manage security issues with unknown apps and optimize the performance of your PC. Switch to the Microsoft Edge browser, as it deploys the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block unwanted apps.

After October 2025, Microsoft will pull the plug on Windows 10. PCs running on Windows 10 won’t receive any software or security upgrades. This will make your Windows 10 PC vulnerable to security exploits unless you upgrade to Windows 11.

So, this is the perfect time to onboard the Windows 11 experience and prevent unwanted apps from finding their way onto your PC, making your user experience terrible.

The post Microsoft: Don’t fall for unwanted apps on Windows 10, clean install Windows 11 ASAP appeared first on Windows Latest

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Windows 10 installing progs

Fresh install, upgrade... doesn't matter. This is a feature of Windows 10 unfortunately... They periodically install apps that they want to promote.

To get rid of it:
http://winaero.com/blog/stop-window...stalling-candy-crush-and-other-unwanted-apps/

 

Windows 10 clean install issues

What's the deal with Windows 10 fall Creator update version?
I thought the fall Creator update was final so I used the media creation tool and downloaded the latest fall Creator update from Microsoft. I did a clean install, installed the latest chipset drivers and the latest Intel management driver exc exc..

Problem number one is Microsoft Edge browser. It launches but when I type in the search bar and click enter Edge does nothing for close to two minutes. If I type in Google, Bing by default shows me google.com and when I click on it nothing happens. If I give it a few minutes the web page will open. I've tried going into settings and resetting Edge and also repair with no avail. My saved bookmarks never show up.. anybody have any ideas?

Problem number two, if I click on start, my app window opens, and I see all the shit that I don't want installed so I right click and select uninstall but yet the app icon remains. I actually have to select unpin for it to disappear. Even if I go into settings and select apps and select uninstall it does the same thing. It says it's uninstalled but yet that app icon remains..

I've checked all my drivers and everything is up to date as well as any Microsoft updates for Windows..

Problem number three..

The Microsoft store, I click on it and it takes a while to open up, and then when I select check for updates it gives me a whole list and it tries to update but gives me an error. If I let it sit for a while they'll install properly.

I've reset my modem and router believing it's connectivity issue but still nothing.

I've done 2 clean installs and the same shit keeps happening.

Back to problem number one with edge browser. I install Firefox and it works like a charm. Has anybody else encountered these issues and if so have you found a fix? Any help in these issues would be greatly appreciated.

 

New install Windows 10 (issue solved)

It's good that you're not experiencing any issues. Unfortunately many folks are, a quick Google search will show the same info im offering the OP.

Heres a couple examples:

Here

Here

It's basically what I mentioned above, small issues here and there ,but nothing to end your day.. for the most part.

I know it's anecdotal, but for my experience 95% of the time it's perfectly fine. The issues I've run into wouldn't be enough for me to roll back , but they would be enough (had I not installed it yet) ,to avoid it for another couple weeks which is why I'm suggesting it to the OP

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update problems and complaints

• Installation problems with the Fall Creators Update
• Microsoft Edge problems with the Fall Creators Update
• Drivers problems with the Fall Creators Update
• Experience problems with the Fall Creators Update

keep in mind, as of recently, the FCU is installed on 5% of devices roughly.....