How To Turn On Microsoft Defender Antivirus In Windows 10?

Are you looking for a way to keep your computer safe from malicious software and viruses? Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free security application that comes with Windows 10 to protect your device. In this article, we will discuss how to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 and why it is important to keep your system secure. We will also provide some tips to help you stay safe online. With these steps, you can enable Microsoft Defender Antivirus on your Windows 10 computer and enjoy a safe and secure computing environment.

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How to Turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the built-in security solution for Windows 10. It provides comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and other online threats. In this article, we will show you how to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10.

Understanding Windows Security

Windows 10 includes a built-in security system called Windows Security. It is designed to help protect your device from threats, including malicious software and other malicious activities. Windows Security is a combination of several security technologies, including Windows Defender Antivirus.

Windows Defender Antivirus is a real-time protection feature that monitors your computer for malicious software and other threats. It automatically scans your system for threats, and if it finds any it will attempt to delete or quarantine them. It also provides protection against ransomware and phishing attacks.

Enabling Windows Defender Antivirus

In order to enable Windows Defender Antivirus, you need to open the Windows Security settings. To do this, open the Start Menu, then type in “Windows Security” and press Enter.

Once the Windows Security window has opened, click on the “Virus & threat protection” option. Here, you will be able to see the status of Windows Defender Antivirus and other security tools. If it is not enabled, you will need to click on the “Turn on” button.

Configuring Windows Defender Antivirus

Once Windows Defender Antivirus is enabled, you can configure it to suit your needs. To do this, click on the “Virus & threat protection” option again and then click on the “Manage settings” link.

In the “Virus & threat protection settings” window, you will be able to adjust the level of protection and configure other settings, such as whether to scan removable drives and network drives. Additionally, you can also configure real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection.

Scheduling Scans with Windows Defender Antivirus

Windows Defender Antivirus can also be configured to scan your computer on a regular basis. To do this, open the Windows Security settings again and click on the “Virus & threat protection” option.

Then, click on the “Schedule scans” link. Here, you will be able to configure the frequency and time of the scan. For example, you can set it to run weekly or monthly, or on specific days of the week. You can also configure it to run at a specific time of the day.

Excluding Files and Folders from Scanning

Windows Defender Antivirus can be configured to exclude certain files and folders from being scanned. To do this, open the Windows Security settings and click on the “Virus & threat protection” option. Then, click on the “Exclusions” link.

In the “Exclusions” window, you can add files and folders that you want Windows Defender Antivirus to ignore when scanning your computer. You can also add file types that you want Windows Defender Antivirus to ignore, such as .exe files.

Configuring Microsoft Defender Firewall

Microsoft Defender Firewall is a security feature that blocks incoming and outgoing connections. To configure it, open the Windows Security settings and click on the “Firewall & network protection” option.

In the “Firewall & network protection” window, you can configure a variety of settings, such as whether to block incoming connections, block outgoing connections, and allow specific programs through the firewall. You can also configure the rules for the various networks that you are connected to.

Using Windows Security to Check for Updates

Windows Security can be used to check for security updates for Windows and other Microsoft products. To do this, open the Windows Security settings and click on the “Update & security” option.

In the “Update & security” window, you will be able to view any available updates. You can also configure Windows Update to install updates automatically. Additionally, you can use Windows Security to manage your Windows activation and product key.

Using Windows Security to Monitor Your Device

Windows Security can be used to monitor your device for potential security issues. To do this, open the Windows Security settings and click on the “Device performance & health” option.

In the “Device performance & health” window, you will be able to view any device performance or security issues that have been detected. You can also use this feature to run a scan of your device for any malicious software or other security threats.

Using Windows Security to Manage Your Security Settings

Windows Security can be used to manage your security settings. To do this, open the Windows Security settings and click on the “App & browser control” option.

In the “App & browser control” window, you can configure a variety of settings, such as whether to block malicious websites, block suspicious downloads, and block or allow specific programs. You can also configure Windows Defender SmartScreen, which helps protect against phishing attacks.

Using Windows Security to Monitor Your Network

Windows Security can be used to monitor your network for potential security threats. To do this, open the Windows Security settings and click on the “Network protection” option.

In the “Network protection” window, you will be able to view any threats that have been detected on your network. You can also configure Windows Defender Firewall to block malicious connections and configure SmartScreen to help protect against phishing attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in antivirus program that helps protect Windows 10 and other devices from malicious software, such as viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It also helps protect you from phishing emails, malicious websites, and other malicious content. It is free to use and is automatically enabled when you install Windows 10.

How to Turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10?

To turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus, open the Windows Security app. In the left pane, select ‘Virus & threat protection’ > ‘Virus & threat protection settings’. Under ‘Real-time protection’, turn on ‘Microsoft Defender Antivirus’. If it’s already turned on, you’re all set and your device is protected.

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus the same as Windows Defender?

Yes, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the same as Windows Defender. Microsoft renamed Windows Defender to Microsoft Defender Antivirus in 2017 to provide better protection against malicious software. Both Windows Defender and Microsoft Defender Antivirus are free, built-in security solutions that provide protection against viruses and other malicious software.

What is the difference between Microsoft Defender Antivirus and an Antivirus program?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in antivirus program that is free to use and is automatically enabled when you install Windows 10. It provides basic protection against malicious software, such as viruses, spyware, and ransomware. An antivirus program is a third-party security solution that provides more comprehensive protection against malicious software. It also typically includes additional features, such as a firewall, parental controls, and identity theft protection.

Does Microsoft Defender Antivirus scan my emails?

Yes, Microsoft Defender Antivirus can scan your emails for malicious content, such as phishing emails, malicious websites, and other malicious content. It can also help protect you from malicious attachments and links in emails. To turn on email scanning, open the Windows Security app, select ‘Virus & threat protection’ > ‘Virus & threat protection settings’. Under ‘Real-time protection’, turn on ‘Scan email attachments and links in email’.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool to help protect your Windows 10 computer from malicious threats. It is easy to turn on and can be done in a few simple steps. With Microsoft Defender Antivirus enabled, you can rest assured that your Windows 10 computer is being protected from the latest security threats. By taking these few steps to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus, you can protect your computer from potential harm and make sure your data is secure.