Windows Security shows "Potentially unwanted app found" but nothing appears on Protection history

Anonymous
2022-06-29T04:36:54+00:00

I am on Windows 11 and Windows Security keeps notifying me on the system tray with the yellow exclamation point that actions are recommended. After clicking the icon, the problem is within the App & browser control saying "Potentially unwanted app found. Your device may perform poorly." However, after clicking the review button, the Protection history shows nothing, only "No recent actions." I performed virus scan with Kaspersky Internet Security and Malwarebytes and both show no threats. I don't want to simply dismiss the prompt without knowing the cause. Is it a bug or it really detected something? What should I do?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-09-22T03:59:04+00:00

    I found this suggestion from searching on the internet, and it worked for me. I went to

    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History

    and deleted the Service folder.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-09-22T13:33:32+00:00

    SOLUTION:

    Okay in my case it turned out to be some Dogecoin mining software. I got rid of it.

    Go here: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service

    Open your file Detections.log.

    Open the locations of anything you find there. Delete anything that doesn't look right, or has an X beside it.

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  1. DaveM121 804.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-06-29T07:51:22+00:00

    Hi EtherealDarkFlame

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    A PUA (potentially unwanted app) is not a virus r malware, it is just a piece of software installed on your PC that Defender deems to be unwanted, or software that has a bad reputation.

    Is there any indication in Defender what software it is listing as a PUA?

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-07-05T15:18:49+00:00

    I have the same issue and nothing appears in the protection history. When I try to dismiss the defender's dashboard it's not dismissed.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2022-07-12T04:37:17+00:00

    Hi EtherealDarkFlame

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    A PUA (potentially unwanted app) is not a virus r malware, it is just a piece of software installed on your PC that Defender deems to be unwanted, or software that has a bad reputation.

    Is there any indication in Defender what software it is listing as a PUA?

    Hi Dave, sorry for the delayed response. I am still experiencing this issue. When I try to look in the protection history, nothing is listed as PUA and only shows "No recent actions". Please see attached images. Thanks

    7 people found this answer helpful.
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