Windows Defender is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect your Windows-based computer from malicious software, like viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It’s important to make sure Windows Defender is working properly to help keep your computer safe and secure.
There are a few different ways to check if Windows Defender is working properly.
1. Use Windows Security Center
The first way to check if Windows Defender is working properly is to use the Windows Security Center. This is a built-in tool that can be used to check the status of your installed security software, including Windows Defender.
To find the Security Center, open the Start menu, then type “security” into the search box. The Security Center should appear near the top of the list of results. Once you’ve opened it, you’ll be able to see the status of Windows Defender. It should say “Protected” or “On” if everything is working correctly. If the status says “Off” or “At Risk”, you may need to take further steps to resolve the issue.
2. Use Task Manager
The second way to check if Windows Defender is working properly is to use the Task Manager. This tool can be used to view all the processes and programs running on your computer, including Windows Defender.
To open the Task Manager, press the “Ctrl+Alt+Del” keys on your keyboard at the same time, then select the “Task Manager” option. You should see a list of process names appearing in the window. Look for one called “MSASCui.exe”. This is the program that runs Windows Defender, so if it appears, it means Windows Defender is running and is likely working properly.
3. Use PowerShell
The third way to check if Windows Defender is working properly is to use PowerShell. This is a powerful command-line utility included with Windows that can be used to run commands and scripts. It can also be used to check the status of Windows Defender.
To open PowerShell, open the Start menu, then type “PowerShell” into the search box. The PowerShell application should appear near the top of the list. Once you’ve opened it, type the following command:
Get-MpComputerStatus
This command will tell you whether Windows Defender is working properly. If the output says “Protected,” then everything is working correctly. If it says “AtRisk,” then you may need to take further steps to resolve the issue.
These are just a few of the ways that you can check if Windows Defender is working properly. Remember, it’s important to make sure that your security software is working correctly to help protect your computer. If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact a professional tech support service for assistance.