If you believe the block was a mistake and you want to allow the file to run you can select Actions, then Allow. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen has the ability to block potentially unwanted apps before they're installed and if that happens you'll see a blocked event in the Protection History. If you want to confirm that PUA blocking is turned on for your device see Protect your PC from potentially unwanted applications. It doesn't sink to the level of malware but it still does things that you'd probably prefer it not do. Potentially unwanted applications are a category of software that can cause your machine to run slowly, display unexpected ads, or at worst, install other software which may be more harmful or annoying. Select the card to expand it and see what additional steps you need to take. This indicates that Microsoft Defender Antivirus took steps to fix a threat but was unable to successfully finish that cleaning. You'll need to redownload the file if you want to use it. This threat has already been removed, so Allow only applies to the next time we see this file.

If you believe this to be a 'false positive' and that the file is safe you can select Actions and then choose Allow. Common ways a threat might arrive include as an unsafe attachment in email, downloaded from an unsafe web site, or via an infected USB storage device. There's no action necessary on your part, though you might want to consider how the threat reached your machine so you can reduce the risk of that occurring again. This indicates that Defender has blocked and removed a threat on your device. You'll need to go into there and select Allow on device if you're confident this idem is safe. Restore - This puts the file back on your device where Defender will once again detect it as a threat and create a new Threat found - action needed item in Protection History. Remove - This removes the threat from your device. It has not yet been removed, but should not pose a risk to your data or device at present. This indicates that the threat has been blocked and quarantined.

If you choose Allow and later want to undo that action go to the Allowed threats page and you can remove it from the allowed list. personal information, or device may now be at risk. Choosing Allow on device will let the file proceed and if it was in fact a threat, your data. Caution: If you're not sure if the item is safe or not it's best to choose Quarantine.

Protected folder access blocked