How to Turn On Enhanced Phishing Protection in Windows 11

If you use a Windows 11 computer, you can make it safer by turning on Enhanced Phishing Protection. This feature helps warn you if you use the same password for your Microsoft account on other websites or apps. Reusing passwords can be risky because if one site gets hacked, your other accounts might be in danger.

Enhanced Phishing Protection is part of Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. It helps protect your passwords from phishing attacks and unsafe sites or apps.

This protection comes built into Windows 11 and works with Microsoft Defender to keep your device and information safe. It also works alongside other security features like:

  • Controlled folder access
  • Real-time protection
  • Tamper protection
  • Ransomware protection

When you turn on Microsoft Defender SmartScreen enhanced protection, Windows will alert you if you enter your Microsoft password on risky websites or apps and remind you to change it.

This protection works with popular web browsers like Microsoft Edge and other Chromium-based browsers (such as Google Chrome). It can also warn you if you try to type your password on a site that Microsoft Defender SmartScreen thinks is dangerous.

How to Turn On or Off Password Reuse Warnings in Windows 11

Follow these easy steps to enable or disable the password reuse warnings:

  1. Click the Search box on your taskbar (bottom-left corner).
  2. Type Windows Security and click the Windows Security app in the search results.
Windows Security search

Next:

  1. In Windows Security, click on App & browser control.
App & browser control in Windows Security

  1. Scroll down and click Reputation-based protection settings.
Reputation-based protection settings

  1. 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
Phishing protection options

Advanced Option: Using Local Group Policy Editor

If you want more control, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor. Here’s how:

  1. Click the Start Menu button and type Edit group policy.
  2. Click Edit group policy from the search results.
Edit Group Policy

In the Local Group Policy Editor window:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender SmartScreen > Enhanced Phishing Protection

Then:

  1. Find and double-click Notify Password Reuse in the right pane.
Notify Password Reuse setting

Choose one of the following options:

  • Not Configured (default setting)
  • Enabled (turns on password reuse warnings)
  • Disabled (turns off password reuse warnings)
Choose Enabled or Disabled

Click OK to save your changes, then close the Local Group Policy Editor.

Summary

  • Enhanced Phishing Protection helps keep your passwords safer by warning you if you reuse your Microsoft account password on other sites or apps.
  • 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 or 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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