Windows Defender is a built-in security tool in Windows operating systems that helps protect users from malware, viruses, and other potential threats. The Windows Defender service is designed to run in the background, so it may not be immediately obvious whether or not it is running. To check if the service is active, users must access and review the Windows Services.
Accessing the Windows Services:
1. Open the Run command box by pressing the Windows Key + R.
2. Type services.msc and press enter. This will open the Services window.
3. Scroll down the list of services until you find Windows Defender. This is usually near the bottom of the list.
4. Right-click on the Windows Defender option and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, switch to the General tab.
6. Check the Startup type option at the top of the window. If it is set to Automatic or Manual, the service is running. If it is set to Disabled, the service is not running.
7. If the service is not running, click on the drop-down menu next to Startup type and select Automatic or Manual. This will start the Windows Defender service.
8. Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
It is important to have Windows Defender running for maximum protection against threats. If your system does not appear to be protected, it is likely because the Windows Defender service is not running. Follow the steps outlined above to check if the service is running and how to start it if it is not.