(Anti) virus producers are sad to see that the Defender built into Windows 10 is getting better. At the same time, the number of setting options is growing, which makes optimal configuration difficult. ConfigureDefender brings all these functions together in a handy interface.
ConfigureDefender
price
Free
Language
English
OS
Windows 10 (32- and 64-bit versions)
Website
github.com/AndyFul/ConfigureDefender
7 Score 70 
- Pros
- Clear
- Preset protection levels
- Negatives
- Hardly any feedback
- No specific roll-back option
Microsoft continues to tinker with the security options of Windows. You can control a number of them from Settings / Update & Security / Windows Security but there are also other more hidden features that require you to dig deep into the registry. ConfigureDefender makes it accessible via buttons in a program window. Make sure you download the version that matches your own Windows architecture (32- or 64-bit) and preferably run the program as administrator. Also check whether the Real-time protection Windows Defender is enabled.
Protection levels
Immediately after start-up, a window pops up with a series of settings. You will find three preset protection levels here. Default ensures that all protections are set as with a fresh Windows installation. High is perhaps the most appropriate option for those who do not want to wade through all options themselves: security is then increased, although with a minimal risk of “false positives”. Max finally, just about all protections turn on and also make the Windows protection app inaccessible, which means that you can only make changes afterwards from ConfigureDefender.
Own configuration
For those who prefer to stay in control: ConfigureDefender has divided all security options into three sections. Most options can simply be set via a selection button: on or off, or the so-called audit mode. The latter activates the function but does not block anything; a potential risk is then only recorded in the Windows logs. You can also add exceptions to the list of folders and files protected by ASR (attack surface reduction, part of Exploit Guard), as well as folders and applications that you want to keep out of the grip of the anti-ransomware tool Controlled Folder Access. At the top you will find a button with which you can retrieve the most recent 200 entries from the Defender log.
Conclusion
ConfigureDefender is a handy tool for quickly accessing and setting up all – including hidden – features from Defender’s extensive defense arsenal. It is a pity that the program gives little or no explanation about the exact meaning or impact of each security option: so you will have to google yourself. Nor is there a way to quickly undo a specific set of changes.
