Identify the alert before acting
A corner notification saying your computer is infected is not a diagnosis. Do not follow its instructions to pay, download a tool or give someone remote access. Open Edge settings yourself to check which website sent it. Microsoft says permitted website notifications can appear even when Edge is closed.
This guide is for Windows ARM PC owners using Edge, including Snapdragon laptop users. Website permissions matter on both ARM and x86. We suggest recording the source and time instead of judging an alert by its alarming artwork or your processor.
What Microsoft announced on November 2
Microsoft says Edge 156, released in October, disables a site’s notifications when SmartScreen or Scareware blocker detects a scam reached through them. A message explains this at the next browser start; blocked sites can be reviewed in settings.
Detection is the condition. This does not block every notification or guarantee recognition of every scam. Do not visit a scam page to test it. Use manual controls if unwanted alerts are already bothering you.
Stop an unwanted source manually
Microsoft’s current route is Settings, Privacy, search, and services, Site permissions, then All sites. Select the source and set Notifications to Block. We suggest using settings rather than revisiting a suspicious page.
Check the full address so you keep wanted mail, calendar or work alerts. Website notifications differ from pop-ups that open windows or tabs; those need a separate settings check. Afterwards, observe normal use without allowing a suspicious site again as a test.
Check your version and available protection
Open Help and feedback, About Microsoft Edge, or enter edge://settings/help. Check the version and follow update and restart prompts after saving work. This browser change is not a reason to reinstall Windows.
Scareware blocker detects deceptive pages. Device specifications affect whether it is enabled by default or available; check the Security page in settings. A Snapdragon label does not establish that it is on. ARMPE has not tested detection rates on an ARM device or verified identical interfaces across regions and configurations.
Blocking and reporting are separate choices
Microsoft also describes “Block and report” in the menu beside Block on notification requests. Reports can include the requesting URL and a screenshot. Our advice is to inspect the image for accounts, documents or private conversations before deciding to send it.
Microsoft describes Scareware blocker’s page analysis as local. That does not mean a report you submit sends nothing: sharing a URL or screenshot is a separate action. You can block unwanted notifications without submitting those materials.
Treat this as maintenance, not a buying guarantee
We suggest keeping the browser version, source and time, then checking that wanted mail or meeting reminders still work. If suspicious prompts continue, identify whether they come from a page, browser or another program and consult that product’s official support. Silencing one notification source does not establish that the computer is free of security problems.
This is an Edge feature, not an ARM exclusive or evidence for ranking ARM against x86 on security. Choose a computer around your applications, games, printer, price and support. Maintain a suitable existing PC through official channels; this feature alone is no reason to replace it.
Sources and verification
This article draws on published documentation and editorial guidance. Unless explicitly stated, it does not report our own hardware tests. Sources checked: November 4, 2026.