How to use Microsoft Defender: This Simplicity Put Microsoft Ahead

How to use Microsoft Defender: The antivirus security program on Windows 10. Microsoft Defender protects your computer from viruses, but you can disable it if necessary.

Formerly known as Windows Defender, Microsoft Defender is an antivirus protection program included with Windows 10. You can turn Microsoft Defender on or off at any time. There are also free or paid third-party apps that also offer antivirus services.

With so much of our life spent online and crucial files stored on our devices, it’s important to have protection against viruses that can cause harm. For Windows 10 users, there is a built-in virus protection program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Here’s how to use and how Microsoft Defender antivirus works.

What is Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus, formerly known as Windows Defender, is an antivirus protection program included in Windows 10. Unlike other antivirus programs such as McAfee, Microsoft Defender is free and requires no additional installation. It is also regularly updated.

Microsoft Defender features include automatic file backup to OneDrive, extensive parental control settings, and the elimination of any password needs, which have been replaced by facial recognition and fingerprint technology (known as Windows Hello).

Microsoft Defender offers detection prevention to help you manage how websites track your data and to give you more control over your privacy settings when browsing the web. It also has a password generator, as well as a password monitor that lets you know if one of your passwords has been compromised.

When set to active mode, Microsoft Defender acts as the device’s primary antivirus app. Scans files, defends against threats, and lists threats found in security reports in the Windows Security app.

How to activate Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is automatically included in Windows 10, but if your computer is linked to a group or organization (such as through your workplace), you may need to double-check that Microsoft Defender is indeed enabled on your device.

1. To set up Microsoft Defender click the button Start on your Windows computer.
2. To type Group Policy in the search bar.
3. click on Edit Group Policy.
4. click on Computer configuration and then on Administrative models.
5. Click on Windows Components and then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the list and search Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Click Disabled The Not configured (whichever is visible on your device). Note that while this may seem contradictory, you are on the right track.
7. click on Apply, then on OK.

How to disable Microsoft Defender in 3 ways

You may want to temporarily disable Microsoft Defender if you are trying to install third-party software or program on your computer and the antivirus is blocking the installation. Another reason to disable Microsoft Defender is if you want to use another antivirus program.Important: when Microsoft Defender is disabled, your computer’s security could be at risk for attack malware.

What is malware and how it works

How to delete malware from Windows 10 PC

Temporarily disable via Windows Security

1. Click the button Start on your Windows computer, then click the icon Settings (gear shaped).
2. To select Update and security.
3. Then click about Windows Security and select Virus and threat protection.
4. In the section Virus and threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.
5. Click the switch in Real-time protection to deactivate it. It will turn gray when Microsoft Defender is disabled.

Permanently disable via Group Policy

1. First, you need to disable tamper protection. Click the button Start on your Windows computer, then search Windows security. Click on the app to open it.
2. click on Virus and threat protection. In the section Virus and threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
3. Click the switch in Tamper protection to disable this function.
4. Click the button Start, then search gpedit.msc. Click on the first result to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
5. click on Computer configuration, Administrative models, Windows Components, so Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
6. Double click on Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus. click on Qualified in the pop-up window, then click on Apply, then on OK.
7. Restart your computer.

Use a third-party virus protection program

If you choose to disable Microsoft Defender, it’s a good idea to install another antivirus program to protect your computer from viruses and malware. Here are some third-party options to consider:

• Norton 360 con LifeLock SelectAn enduring brand in antivirus software, Norton Security remains a top-notch option. This all-in-one antivirus subscription includes malware and virus protection for your computer and phone, 100GB of cloud backup, a secure VPN, password manager, and more.
• Bitdefender Antivirus Free: it is the most convenient option for security software, the free version of Bitdefender covers a Windows PC and protects against viruses, malware and spyware in real time. The paid versions protect multiple devices and give you a secure VPN.
• McAfee Total Protection- Another long-standing brand in the world of cybersecurity, McAfee continues to score high in protection and performance from independent labs. With a paid subscription, you get virus protection and ransomware up to an unlimited number of devices (depending on the plan you choose), plus a password manager.