The best way to secure your computer is to use Windows Defender. Windows Defender is a free program designed by Microsoft to protect against malware and other malicious software, and it can be used as a way to protect yourself from online threats. Windows Defender is included with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, and it’s automatically enabled for the most part.
Windows Defender has the capability to scan for potential threats, including viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojan horses. It also actively monitors your system for suspicious activities, which can help to prevent malicious code from infecting your computer. It’s an excellent tool for protecting your data and privacy, and it’s easy to use.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your computer is properly secured with Windows Defender:
1. Make sure Windows updates are installed regularly. Regular security updates are essential to staying ahead of the latest threats. Windows updates help keep your computer up to date with features and security fixes that help protect it from known threats. Additionally, you should install updates for any third-party applications or plug-ins as soon as they become available.
2. Enable Windows Defender. Windows Defender is available on all versions of Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. To enable it, type “Windows Defender” into your Start Menu and open the application. Then select “Turn on real-time protection.”
3. Scan for malware. Windows Defender periodically scans your computer for malware. You can also manually run a scan to ensure your computer is free of any malicious software. Select “Scan Now” from the left side of the window, choose the type of scan you’d like to run, and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Set up Windows Firewall. The Windows Firewall is an important component of your computer’s security. By default, it blocks incoming connections from the internet. To activate the firewall, type “Firewall” into your Start Menu and open the application. Then select “Turn Windows Firewall on or off,” and turn it on for both private and public networks. It is also important to stay aware of any changes to the settings of your firewall.
5. Use an anti-virus program. An anti-virus program helps detect and remove any malicious software from your computer. A good program should always be running in the background and regularly updated to provide the latest virus definitions. Some versions of Windows include Windows Defender, but you may want to consider using a third-party anti-virus program for additional protection.
6. Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading questionable files. Malicious code is often distributed through malicious websites and emails. It’s important to be wary of links that are sent to you via email or text message and never click on them if you don’t know the sender. It’s also recommended to avoid downloading files or programs from unknown sources, as they could contain malware.
7. Back up your data regularly. Regularly backing up your data is an essential part of keeping it safe. This can help protect you if malware manages to get into your system, as you’ll have a copy of your data and can restore it if needed. You can back up your data to an external hard drive or the cloud.
Securing your computer with Windows Defender is an important step towards keeping it safe from malicious attacks. It is important to stay aware of the latest threats and keep your software and operating system up to date. And remember to remain vigilant when browsing the web, as well as only download files from trusted sources.