How to Enable Scareware Blocker in Windows 11 Edge
The Scareware blocker in Windows 11 Edge stops harmful websites from showing fake virus warnings and annoying pop-ups.
This feature, built into Microsoft Edge, spots and blocks websites that pretend to be security alerts. Its goal is to stop you from downloading bad software or calling fake support lines.
Turning on the Scareware blocker protects you from expensive scams by stopping dangerous pages from messing with your browser.
If Edge spots a scam, it will stop full-screen mode, silence loud sounds, and display a clear warning. This makes it safe for you to leave the unsafe page.
Open Edge settings, click Privacy, search, and services, then turn on Scareware blocker. For all users, administrator access is required to modify registry keys under 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
Option 1Change settings for your account
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the Settings and more button (the 3 dots in the top right corner) and select Settings.
- Click Privacy, search, and services on the left.
- Scroll down to the Security section.
To Turn On Scareware Blocker:
- Make sure Scareware blocker is turned on.
- If you are on version 142 or higher, you can also toggle Block sites detected as scams.
- You can also choose to toggle Share detected scam sites with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.
To Turn Off Scareware Blocker:
- Simply toggle the Scareware blocker switch to off.
- Close the settings tab when you are finished.
Option 2Change settings for all users (Registry)
You can turn on the Scareware Blocker for all users on your computer using the Windows Registry. This method forces the setting for everyone, meaning other users won’t be able to turn it off from the main menu.
Always Enable Scareware Blocker:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerProtectionEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Disable Scareware Blocker:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerProtectionEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Default User Choice:
reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerProtectionEnabled /f
Option 3Manage scam site blocking for all users
As an administrator, you can use the Windows Registry to manage scam site blocking for all users in Edge. This ensures everyone on the computer is protected from online scams by controlling this setting centrally.
Always Enable:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerBlocksDetectedSitesEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Disable:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerBlocksDetectedSitesEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Default User Choice:
reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerBlocksDetectedSitesEnabled /f
Option 4Manage scam sharing for all users
Administrators can control if Edge shares detected scam site information with Microsoft for all users through the Windows Registry. This setting helps improve Microsoft's security services for everyone using the browser.
Disable:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerSendDetectedSitesToSmartScreenEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Default User Choice:
reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ScarewareBlockerSendDetectedSitesToSmartScreenEnabled /f
References: Protecting more Edge users with expanded Scareware blocker availability and real-time protection Stand up to scareware with scareware blocker, now available in preview in Microsoft Edge Scareware blocker | Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge Browser Policy Documentation ScarewareBlockerAllowListDomains
Summary
The Scareware blocker in Edge is a handy tool that stops you from visiting fake websites trying to trick you, and you can easily switch it on or off in your browser settings.
Should I enable Edge Scareware Blocker?
Scareware blocker in Microsoft Edge helps protect you from scams that try to create panic, full screen warnings, alarm sounds, or locked pages that push you toward harmful downloads or fake support calls—so you can browse with confidence, knowing your data stays private and your experience stays secure.
Is Microsoft scareware blocker free?
Free Scareware Blocker in Microsoft Edge — Shared Resources Technology Solutions.
What can scareware do to your computer?
Scareware is a form of malware that causes fear, anxiety, and urgency to trick users into downloading unwanted software. Often, this action involves buying non-functional software that doesn't offer any real value or malicious software that further infects the victim's device.
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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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