Microsoft has recently revised its support documentation to emphasize the importance of recognizing unsafe applications on Windows 10, urging users to transition to Windows 11 promptly. As a Windows user, it is crucial to understand the various types of applications that may reside on your PC. These applications can be categorized into three distinct groups: Clean, malware, and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Clean apps are those that are either available through the Microsoft Store or come pre-installed on your device, representing Microsoft’s recommendations for optimal performance. In stark contrast, malware apps pose significant risks, as they can infiltrate your system when downloaded from untrusted sources, potentially leading to severe security breaches.
Then there are the PUAs, which occupy a more ambiguous space. While these applications may not contain malicious code, they are typically sourced from unofficial channels and can introduce unwanted services that clutter your user experience. Microsoft strongly advises users still operating on Windows 10 to enhance their computing experience by upgrading to Windows 11, which offers robust security settings designed to prevent the installation of such potentially unwanted applications.
Furthermore, Microsoft has issued a critical warning: after October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive software or security updates, leaving systems increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 not only fortifies your defenses with features like Smart App Control but also provides enhanced safeguards against unwanted applications.
How to Clean Install Windows 11?
The process of clean installing Windows 11 may initially appear daunting, yet it is, in fact, the most straightforward and secure method to upgrade your operating system.
To begin, you will need the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive for installing Windows 11. Ensure that you have a reliable WiFi connection and access to another PC running Windows 11 to facilitate this process. Before proceeding, it is essential to back up your important files and application setups to the cloud, as a clean installation will erase all existing data on your device.
- Obtain a blank USB drive with at least 8GB of storage and connect it to a PC running Windows 11.
- Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool on that PC.
- Run the Media Creation Tool and accept the terms of service.
- Select the edition of Windows 11 you wish to install on the bootable disk.
- Choose USB Flash Drive as your media option.
- Wait for the creation process to complete.
- Insert the bootable USB drive into your Windows 10 PC.
- Restart your PC while holding the Shift key to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Use a Device in the Recovery environment.
- Choose the USB drive containing the Windows 11 media.
- On the setup screen, select your preferred language, time, and keyboard input method.
- Click Install Now to initiate the clean installation.
- When prompted for a product key, select I don’t have a product key since you are upgrading from Windows 10. Your copy of Windows 11 will activate automatically once connected to the internet.
- Select the operating system.
- Choose Custom: Install Windows Only.
- Select the hard drive partition where you want Windows 11 installed.
- Your PC will restart after the installation is complete, booting into the Windows 11 desktop.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the setup.
NOTE: Ensure your PC meets the necessary hardware requirements to run Windows 11 before proceeding with the upgrade.
Configure Settings to Block Potentially Unwanted Apps on Windows 11
Upon entering Windows 11, it is advisable to adjust your settings to identify and block low-reputation potentially unwanted applications.
- Press Windows + I to open the settings menu.
- Select Privacy and Security from the left sidebar.
- Navigate to App and Browser Control.
- Click on Reputation-based Protection settings.
- Enable the toggle for Potentially Unwanted App Blocking.
- Activate Block Apps and Block Downloads by checking the respective boxes.
To further minimize the risk of installing PUAs, always download applications from the Microsoft Store, regularly update Windows 11 to address security vulnerabilities, and consider using the Microsoft Edge browser, which employs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block unwanted applications.
With the impending cessation of support for Windows 10, now is the opportune moment to embrace the Windows 11 experience, ensuring a secure and efficient computing environment free from unwanted applications.
