Windows Defender is a powerful tool that comes built into Windows 10. It’s designed to protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. With Windows Defender, you can scan your computer for threats, schedule scans to run automatically, and even block potentially harmful files from running on your system.
But with so many features and settings to explore, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you get the most out of Windows Defender.
How to Use Windows Defender
Let’s start with the basics. Here’s how to use Windows Defender to protect your computer:
Step 1: Make Sure Windows Defender Is Turned On
By default, Windows Defender should be turned on when you install Windows 10. But if you’ve turned it off in the past, or if you’re not sure if it’s on, here’s how to check:
- Click the Start menu and select “Settings”.
- Click “Update & Security”.
- Click “Windows Security”.
- Check the status of the “Virus & threat protection” section. If it says “Your device is being protected by Windows Defender Antivirus”, then Windows Defender is already turned on. If it says “You’re currently being protected by a different antivirus program”, click “Manage providers” and follow the instructions to turn on Windows Defender.
Step 2: Perform a Scan
To check your computer for viruses and other threats, you can perform a quick scan or a full scan using Windows Defender:
- Open Windows Defender by clicking the Start menu and typing “Windows Defender” in the search box.
- Click “Windows Security” in the search results.
- Click “Virus & threat protection”.
- Click “Scan options”.
- Select either “Quick scan” or “Full scan”.
- Click “Scan now”.
Depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of files on your computer, the scan could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Once the scan is complete, Windows Defender will let you know if any threats were detected.
Step 3: Schedule Automatic Scans
To make sure your computer is regularly scanned for viruses and other threats, you can schedule automatic scans using Windows Defender:
- Open Windows Defender by clicking the Start menu and typing “Windows Defender” in the search box.
- Click “Windows Security” in the search results.
- Click “Virus & threat protection”.
- Click “Manage settings” under “Virus & threat protection settings”.
- Toggle the switch next to “Real-time protection” to the “On” position.
- Scroll down to “Automatic scanning” and click “Manage providers”.
- Turn on “Microsoft Defender Antivirus”.
- Click “Add a new schedule”.
- Select the type of scan you want to run and set the day and time for the scan to run.
- Click “Save changes”.
With automatic scanning set up, Windows Defender will regularly check your computer for threats and alert you if anything is found.
Step 4: Customize Windows Defender Settings
If you want to customize how Windows Defender works on your computer, you can change its settings. Here are some settings you might want to consider:
-
- Exclusions: You can tell Windows Defender to exclude certain files, folders, or processes from being scanned. This is useful if you have a program that you know is safe, but Windows Defender keeps flagging it as a threat. To exclude a file or folder from scanning, go to “Virus & threat protection” in Windows Defender, click “Manage settings” under “Exclusions”, and follow the instructions to add the item to the exclusion list.
- Notifications: By default, Windows Defender will notify you if it detects a threat on your computer. But if you want to adjust the level of notifications you receive, you can do so in the Windows Security settings. Click “App & browser control”, then “Change notification settings”, and choose the level of notifications you want to receive.
- Firewall: Windows Defender includes a built-in firewall that can help block unauthorized access to your computer. You can customize the firewall settings by going to “Firewall & network protection” in Windows Security and clicking “Advanced settings”.
- Family options: If you’re using Windows Defender on a family computer, you can use the Family options settings to manage parental controls, screen time limits, and other features. To access these settings, go to “Windows Security”, click “Family options”, and follow the instructions to set up your family group.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Windows Defender?
- Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows 10. It’s designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other threats.
2. Is Windows Defender enough to protect my computer?
- While Windows Defender is a good basic antivirus program, it may not be enough to protect your computer from all threats. It’s a good idea to also use a third-party antivirus program, especially if you frequently download files or visit risky websites.
3. How often should I scan my computer with Windows Defender?
- It’s a good idea to scan your computer with Windows Defender at least once a week. You can also set up automatic scans to run on a regular schedule.
4. Can I use Windows Defender with other antivirus programs?
- No, it’s not recommended to use multiple antivirus programs on the same computer. This can cause conflicts and may actually make your computer less secure.
5. What should I do if Windows Defender detects a threat?
- If Windows Defender detects a threat on your computer, it will notify you and give you the option to remove the threat or quarantine it. Follow the on-screen instructions to take the appropriate action.
6. How do I know if Windows Defender is working?
- You can check the status of Windows Defender by going to “Windows Security” in the Windows 10 settings. If it says “Your device is being protected by Windows Defender Antivirus”, then Windows Defender is working.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use Windows Defender to protect your computer, you can feel more confident in your online activities. By regularly scanning your computer for threats, customizing the settings to meet your needs, and staying informed about the latest threats, you can keep your computer and your personal information safe and secure.
Remember, Windows Defender is just one tool in your cybersecurity arsenal. It’s important to also practice safe browsing habits, use strong passwords, and keep your software and operating system up to date to stay as protected as possible.