How to Enable or Disable Enhanced Phishing Protection in Windows 11
You enable or disable Enhanced Phishing Protection in Windows 11 to better safeguard your Microsoft account credentials.
Enhanced Phishing Protection, a component of Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, actively warns you if you reuse your Microsoft account password across multiple websites or applications.
This feature is critical because password reuse creates a security vulnerability; if one site is breached, hackers can potentially access all your accounts using that same password.
It works by integrating with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to identify risky sites or apps where you might enter your password.
Windows 11 includes this protection by default, enhancing your overall security posture alongside features like real-time protection and ransomware protection.
This enhanced alert system is compatible with Microsoft Edge and other Chromium-based browsers, providing an extra layer of defense against compromised credentials.
How to Turn On or Off Password Reuse Warnings in 🪟 Windows 11
Follow these easy steps to enable or disable the password reuse warnings:
- Click the Search box on your taskbar (bottom-left corner).
- Type Windows Security and click the Windows Security app in the search results.
Next:
- In Windows Security, click on App & browser control.
- Scroll down and click Reputation-based protection settings.
- Under Phishing protection, toggle the switch to On or Off to enable or disable Enhanced Phishing Protection.
When enabled, you can also choose to get warnings about:
- Malicious apps and websites
- Password reuse
- Unsafe password storage
Advanced Option: Using Local Group Policy Editor
Do you want more control? You can use the Local Group Policy Editor. Here’s how:
- FLAG: Admin privileges required. Click the Start Menu button and type Edit group policy.
- Click Edit group policy from the search results.
In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender SmartScreen > Enhanced Phishing ProtectionThen:
- Find and double-click Notify Password Reuse in the right pane.
- Choose one of the following options:
- Not Configured (default setting)
- Enabled (turns on password reuse warnings)
- Disabled (turns off password reuse warnings)
- Click OK to save your changes, then close the Local Group Policy Editor.
Summary
Enhanced Phishing Protection helps keep your passwords safer. Why use it? It warns you if you reuse your Microsoft account password on other sites or apps. What happens when you enable it? Windows will alert you about risky password reuse and help you stay safer.
This feature works with Microsoft Defender for better security on your device and in the cloud.
You can turn it on or off easily through Windows Security. You can also use the Local Group Policy Editor for advanced settings.
Following these steps helps you stay safer while browsing and using apps on Windows 11.
For more info, you can visit the original guide here: Geek Rewind – SmartScreen Phishing Protection
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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