Evasion software: Software that actively tries to evade detection by security products, including software that behaves differently in the presence of security products.Marketing software: Software that monitors and transmits the activities of users to applications or services other than itself for marketing research.Also, software that offers to install other software that qualifies as PUA based on the criteria outlined in this document. Bundling software: Software that offers to install other software that is not developed by the same entity or not required for the software to run.

Cryptomining software: Software that uses your device resources to mine cryptocurrencies.

Torrent software (Enterprise only): Software that is used to create or download torrents or other files specifically used with peer-to-peer file-sharing technologies.

This includes software that inserts advertisements to webpages.

Advertising software: Software that displays advertisements or promotions, or prompts you to complete surveys for other products or services in software other than itself.

We've outlined them below, but you can read more on how it identifies malware and other security risks on the threat protection (opens in new tab) section of the Microsoft website. Microsoft has its own specified definitions of what it considers to be a PUA. Not all PUAs are harmful, but some can be a nuisance by generating pop-up ads or slowing down the performance of your device.Ĭlassification is broad, but it can take the form of adware, invasive programs and browser extensions. As Microsoft mentioned in its bulletin, PUA's (also dubbed PUPs, or Potentially Unwanted Programs) aren't technically malware, but they're certainly not something you want on your device as they bring the risk of introducing spyware and other security risks to your computer.

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