Windows Defender is a free anti-malware and antivirus software from Microsoft that helps protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It is included with Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 and can be enabled or disabled in the Control Panel.
Installing Windows Defender is easy and only takes a few steps. Here’s our guide on how to install Windows Defender:
Step 1: Check for Windows Updates
Before you install Windows Defender, it’s important to make sure your computer is up to date by checking for Windows updates. To check for updates, open the Start Menu and type “Windows Updates” into the search bar. In the window that appears, click on “Check for Updates” and wait as Windows checks for any available updates. If there are any updates available, make sure to install them before continuing with the Windows Defender installation.
Step 2: Download and Install Windows Defender
Now that your computer is up to date, you can proceed with the Windows Defender installation. To do this, go to the Microsoft Security website and download the most up-to-date version of Windows Defender (e.g. Windows 10 19H1). Once the download is complete, double-click the file to start the installation and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Step 3: Configure Windows Defender
Once the installation is complete, Windows Defender will be automatically enabled so you may not need to do anything else. However, if you want to customize your settings or add additional features, you can do so by going to the Windows Defender Security Center. Here, you can customize the settings for each type of protection such as spyware, malware, and network protection. For example, you can set Windows Defender to scan your computer regularly or configure it to automatically detect and remove any threats it finds.
Step 4: Perform a Scan
Once you’ve configured Windows Defender, you should perform a scan to make sure it is working properly and to ensure your computer is protected. To do this, open Windows Defender and click “Scan Now” to start a quick scan. This will check various aspects of your computer for any potential threats. If any threats are found, Windows Defender will alert you and allow you to take appropriate action.
Step 5: Monitor Windows Defender and Keep it Updated
Finally, it’s important to monitor your computer’s security and keep Windows Defender up to date. To do this, you can set up regular scans and check the Windows Defender Security Center for any notifications about new threats. Additionally, you can go to the Microsoft Security website and download the latest version of Windows Defender whenever it is available. By doing this, you can make sure your computer is always protected against the latest threats.
Installing Windows Defender is simple and can help protect your computer from malicious software. By following these steps, you can get started with Windows Defender and begin protecting your computer right away.