How to Enable Scareware Blocker in Windows 11 Edge
You enable the Scareware blocker in Windows 11 Edge to prevent malicious websites from displaying fake virus alerts and aggressive pop-ups.
This built-in Microsoft Edge feature identifies and blocks sites that impersonate security warnings, aiming to trick you into downloading malware or calling fraudulent support numbers.
When active, the Scareware blocker helps you avoid costly scams by preventing malicious pages from manipulating your browser experience.
If Edge detects a scam, it will exit full-screen mode, stop loud audio, and show you a clear warning, making it safe to close the dangerous 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 everyone on your computer using the Windows Registry. This method is for administrators and forces the setting on, meaning other users can’t change it from their settings menu.
This method uses the registry to enforce settings for everyone on the computer. Using these settings will gray out the options in the main menu for other users.
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 control whether Edge blocks scam sites for all users through the registry. This setting ensures that the browser actively prevents access to known dangerous websites, helping to keep everyone safe from online scams.
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 decide if Edge shares information about detected scam sites with Microsoft for all users via the registry. This setting controls whether your browser sends data about potentially harmful sites to help improve Microsoft’s security services.
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. You can easily switch it on or off in your browser settings. If you’re an admin, you can also use special commands to set it for everyone on a computer.
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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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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