Windows Defender

Remove Threats From Ignore List

SUMMARY: Determine that ignored threats Microsoft AntiSpyware finds should actually be removed from your system?

Note that this tip is for a BETA version of Windows Defender, and was written when Beta 2 was released. This information is subject to change based on new beta releases and/or the final version of the product.

When scanning for adware, spyware, and other malware with Windows Defender, when potential nuisances are found, you have the option of ignoring these from future scans.

Ignoring may be useful, for example, if Windows Defender comes up with false alarms. Also, if you're not sure that a potential threat is really a threat, you may want to explore it further by doing investigation through chat rooms, message boards, search engines, and the like. By ignoring the threat, you lessen the risk of accidentally removing the file in a future scan before you can determine whether the perceived threat is actual.

If, after doing your investigations, you realize that an ignored threat should be removed from your system, you need to remove it from the ignore list so it can be redetected and removed. To do so:

1. From Windows Defender, click the "Tools" button.

2. Select "Allowed Items".

3. Underneath "Allowed items", check the ignored threats you wish to remove from the list, and then click the "Clear" button.

Note that performing this task does not remove the potential threat from your system; you will have to do another spyware scan to determine whether or not the threat still exists and if you wish to neutralize it.

Return to the Windows Defender page.

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