Microsoft Defender, the Windows 10 antivirus program, is not perfect. But it protects well against common threats like viruses and malware.
How well does Defender work?
Microsoft Defender (formerly called Windows Defender) has had a mediocre reputation in the past. But nowadays the program scores quite well in the tests. There are more extensive virus scanners, but because Defender is free, works well and regularly receives new updates, it is recommended. Defender is good at detecting malware on the computer. However, the program does not block phishing sites, while other (free) virus scanners do.
This is not a direct reason to install another program, but if you want to be optimally protected, you can go through the ‘Selection aid virus scanner’. Stick to one alternative. Installing multiple virus scanners is a bad idea; they get in each other’s way and then cause problems.
Starting Defender with Windows
Turn on the computer and Defender will start at the same time as Windows 10. The program will automatically download the updates necessary to properly protect the computer. This eliminates the need to manually check for updates.
The Microsoft Defender Security Center
The Microsoft Defender Security Center shows, among other things, when the computer was last scanned for viruses and when the last update was. Open the security center like this:
- Click the Start button.
- click on Institutions.
- click on Update and Security.
- Click on the left Windows Security > Open Windows Security.
The Defender Security Center consists of seven parts. If everything is OK, most parts will have a green check mark. If a section requires action from you, this will be clearly stated.
Scan for viruses
Defender regularly scans your computer for viruses. You won’t notice unless the program finds a threat. You can also start a scan yourself. For example, if the computer suddenly goes crazy. Or if you clicked on a suspicious link or attachment and think that a virus is now active.
- In the Microsoft Defender Security Center, click Virus & Threat Protection.
- ‘Current Threats’ shows when the last scan was performed, how many files were scanned and whether any threats were found.
- click on Quick scan to immediately start a scan of the computer. The scan usually takes a few minutes at most. You can use the computer while scanning.
- If you want a thorough scan of the computer, click Scan options.
- Click on your choice, for example Full scan.
- click on Scan now.
- Click on the arrow at the top left to return to the overview.
Check if Defender is up to date
Defender is automatically updated almost daily. Under “Virus & Threat Protection Updates,” you can see when the last update was performed. If you are not sure whether the latest update has been performed, check it like this:
- click on Check for updates.
- click on Looking for updates.
- Defender will then receive the latest update. Click on the arrow at the top left to go back to the overview.
Ransomware Protection
Defender can monitor important folders so that ransomware cannot block them if the PC is infected. Learn how to enable this feature in “Make Windows 10 protected against ransomware.”