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Jul 8, 2024 · Are Windows 11’s built-in antivirus and security features enough for everyday users? The answer is, “Yes… but.” Here’s why. Further reading: The best Windows antivirus software
- Jon Martindale
Feb 18, 2021 · Plus, if you're PC is running Windows 10, see if Windows Defender is secure enough to use on its own. Can you get by with Windows' built-in protection, or should you opt for free or paid software from the likes of BitDefender, Kaspersky or Norton Lifelock instead?
Jul 31, 2015 · If your current Antivirus is incompatible with Windows 10 or you do not plan to renew your subscription, you can use the built in Windows Defender or Windows Defender Security Center as an alternative. Lets take a quick look at enabling and updating Windows Defender. Details. Press Windows key + X.
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- Overview
- How to install update definitions on Defender Antivirus
- How to scan for malware on Defender Antivirus
- Quick Scan
- Full Scan
- Custom Scan
- How to exclude scan locations on Defender Antivirus
- How to perform offline malware scan on Defender Antivirus
- How to view scan malware history on Defender Antivirus
- How to allow threats on Defender Antivirus
How-to
If you're new to the Microsoft Defender Antivirus, use this guide to learn everything you need to manage the security feature to protect your computer.
Jump to:
•Update definition
•Perform scans
•Exclude scan paths
To update the definition of the Microsoft Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Virus & threat protection updates" section, click the protections updates option.
•Click the "Check for updates" button.
Windows 11 automatically scans your computer for malware using the Microsoft Defender Antivirus. However, if you suspect the device may be infected, you can use the available options to perform a scan manually.
A quick scan takes the least amount of time because it only scans the locations where malware is more likely to hide.
To perform a quick scan with the Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Current threats" section, click the Scan options setting.
A full scan takes the longest because, as the name implies, it scans all the locations on the hard drive.
To perform a full scan with the Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Current threats" section, click the Scan options setting.
A custom scan allows you to scan a particular section of the main drive or external storage. Usually, you would use this feature to check an external USB drive, flash drive, or a specific file you downloaded from the internet.
To perform a custom scan with the Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Current threats" section, click the Scan options setting.
If you want to prevent the antivirus from scanning a particular folder or file, you can add and remove scanning locations.
To prevent the Microsoft Defender Antivirus from scanning specific locations, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.
On Windows 11, you may sometimes come across complex malware that the antivirus may not be able to remove while the system is running. In this case, you can perform an offline scan. When activating this feature, the computer will restart and go into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to perform a scan while the system is offline.
To perform an offline scan with the Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Current threats" section, click the Scan options setting.
Whether you recently performed a virus scan or want to view recent protection actions, the Microsoft Defender Antivirus also includes a page where you can review the protection history and recommendations.
To view the protection history of the Microsoft Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Current threats" section, click the Protection history option.
Sometimes, the antivirus may detect an application or file as a threat when you know it comes from a trusted source. If this happens, the application includes an option to allow the threat.
To allow a threat on the Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
•Open Start.
•Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
•Click on Virus & threat protection.
•Under the "Current threats" section, click the Allow threats option.
Jul 7, 2017 · Windows 10 has built-in real-time antivirus named Windows Defender, and it's actually pretty good. It automatically runs in the background, ensuring all Windows users are protected against viruses and other nasties.
People also ask
Is Windows Defender a good antivirus?
What is Microsoft Defender Antivirus?
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Does Windows Defender come with Windows 10?
Jun 19, 2024 · Windows Defender is a capable built-in antivirus, but independent lab tests show that leading third-party options provide better protection. For the highest level of security, experts recommend supplementing Defender with a paid antivirus suite.
