Windows offers several features to protect users from malware and suspicious internet content. Two key features are SmartScreen and Network Protection. While SmartScreen provides basic protection, it has limited capabilities when used in conjunction with Microsoft Edge. That’s why Network Protection is essential.
Network Protection is a system-level feature that monitors network traffic across all apps and processes, checking against Microsoft’s reputation database for suspicious and malicious content. It’s like SmartScreen but broader.
However, Network Protection is only available on Pro and Enterprise versions of Windows 10 or 11, and it requires specific conditions to be met. These include having Microsoft Defender active, being logged into Windows with a Microsoft account, and being able to access websites via the internet.
To enable Network Protection, users need to use PowerShell with administrator rights. The process involves right-clicking on the Start menu, selecting Terminal (Admin), and running specific commands to check and enable the feature.
Once enabled, users can configure additional settings using the Group Policy Editor, which allows them to customize features such as preventing access to dangerous websites.
It’s essential to note that Network Protection may cause some apps to stop working correctly. Users can try configuring it in Audit Mode first to minimize potential disruptions.
By enabling Network Protection, users can significantly enhance their Windows security and protect themselves against malware and suspicious internet content.
Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2616107/this-hidden-windows-feature-protects-you-from-dangerous-malware.html