Windows Defender is a built-in, automated security system that scans your computer for potential threats and helps protect it from malicious software. It is included in Windows 10 and Windows 8, and is a full replacement for Microsoft Security Essentials, the popular antivirus program from Microsoft.
While Windows Defender does provide basic protection from viruses, spyware, and other malware, it can become out-of-date over time if not regularly updated. An outdated security program can put you at risk for malicious software, so it is important to keep Windows Defender up-to-date. Fortunately, updating Windows Defender is easy and can be done in just a few steps.
1. Open Windows Defender
To update Windows Defender, the first thing you need to do is open the program. You can open Windows Defender by clicking on the Start button and searching for “Windows Defender.” Once you find it, click on it to open the program.
2. Check for updates
Once Windows Defender has opened, you should see an “Update” button near the top of the screen. Click this button to check for any new updates for Windows Defender. This will cause Windows Defender to contact Microsoft’s servers and search for any available updates.
3. Download updates
If Windows Defender finds any updates for your computer, it will automatically download and install them. During this process, Windows Defender may ask for your permission to continue the download and installation process. If you see this prompt, click “Agree” or “Allow” to continue.
4. Restart your computer
After the updates are installed, you may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the update process. If you see this prompt, click “Restart Now” to restart your computer and finish the update process.
That’s it! After following these steps, Windows Defender should be up-to-date and you can be confident that your computer is protected from the latest threats. Remember to keep checking for updates on a regular basis to ensure that Windows Defender remains up-to-date and continues to protect your computer.