Windows Defender is a built-in security solution that protects Windows PCs from malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, rootkits, and other types of malware. It is included in both Windows 7 and 8, and can be activated easily if it’s not already running.
If you have Windows 7:
1. Click the Start button, then type “Windows Defender” in the search box.
2. Select “Windows Defender” from the results.
3. In the Windows Defender window, click the “Tools” tab and then click “Options”.
4. Check the box labeled “Turn on Real-time Protection (Recommended)” to enable Windows Defender.
5. Click the “Save Changes” button.
6. You will now see a green icon in the system tray to indicate Windows Defender is running.
If you have Windows 8 or 8.1:
1. Open the Charms bar by pressing the Windows + C keys on your keyboard or swipe in from the right side of your touchscreen.
2. Select “Change PC Settings” from the bottom of the Charms bar.
3. Select “Update and Recovery” from within PC settings.
4. Select “Windows Defender” from the left pane.
5. Check the box labeled “Turn on real-time protection (recommended)”.
6. You will now see a green icon in the system tray to indicate Windows Defender is running.
It’s important to note that Windows Defender may be disabled if you are running another anti-virus program. If you install a new anti-virus program, make sure to turn off Windows Defender to prevent conflicts between the two programs.
You can also customize the way Windows Defender works, by clicking the Settings tab within the Windows Defender window. Here, you can choose what type of files to scan, how often to scan, and more.
Windows Defender is an effective, built-in security program that provides basic protection against malicious software. While it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as a paid anti-virus program, it’s a great way to keep your computer safe if you don’t want to spend the extra money.