False positive malware detection by Microsoft Defender

[nanashinasubi]

I really wanted this application to work. However, every time I download the installation packages and run the system, Microsoft virus & threat protection identifies severe Trojan malware in the files. When the system removes the Trojan malware, the extension has an error and I cannot save any websites as PWAs. Any workarounds?

Originally posted by @nanashinasubi in #479

[jonm58]

you need directory put in the Microsoft virus & threat protection identifies whitelist.

[nanashinasubi]

you need directory put in the Microsoft virus & threat protection identifies whitelist.

I want to avoid whitelisting any malware that might be present in the files, as this could damage my computer. Can you confirm if it's safe to proceed with the whitelist, considering the possibility of malware? I haven't found any discussions on this forum about malware in the application, so I'm unsure about the safety of bypassing the whitelist and allowing it to run on my computer.

[filips123]

It is a false positive. I have submitted a false positive report to Microsoft and the detection should have now been removed. You will probably need to update your malware definitions and maybe reinstall PWAsForFirefox (in case Microsoft Defender removed it).

This is their response:

At this time, the submitted files do not meet our criteria for malware or potentially unwanted applications. The detection has been removed. Please follow the steps below to clear cached detections and obtain the latest malware definitions.

1. Open command prompt as administrator and change directory to c:\Program Files\Windows Defender
2. Run “MpCmdRun.exe -removedefinitions -dynamicsignatures”
3. Run "MpCmdRun.exe -SignatureUpdate"

Alternatively, the latest definition is available for download here: https://docs.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/manage-updates-baselines-microsoft-defender-antivirus