The first versions of Windows Defender mainly garnered scorn and laughter, but since the arrival of Windows 10 this picture has changed drastically. More and more, Windows Defender stands its ground and protects the PC against malware and other threats. In this article, we take a look at the main Windows Defender Antivirus protection options.
1 No installation
Windows Defender is based on GIANT Antispyware, a product that Microsoft in 2004, and has gone through many changes since then. From a standalone antivirus product it has now become a complete suite of security solutions within Windows. No download or installation is required and it works from the first minute Windows starts. Compatibility problems with other software do not actually occur. Although some of the security functions are hidden more deeply, you get through Open Start / Settings / Update & Security / Windows Security / Windows Security, access to the product.
2 Check status
Like most security products, Windows Defender places an icon in the system tray next to the clock in the Windows Taskbar. If the icon in the form of a shield (after all, it is about protection), click on it arrow up left in the system tray. If actions are required or if there is a warning, this can be seen directly at the icon. If there is an exclamation mark, click on the shield and take the recommended actions.
Defense in depth
The better performance of Windows Defender is partly due to the changed security strategy of Microsoft. When it was still called Microsoft Antispyware, Security Essentials and Windows Defender antivirus, Windows Defender was a separately installed security package for Windows, while since Windows Vista it is a standard component that is active in more and more places within Windows. It is more than just antivirus, it also protects against malicious websites and acts as parental control, account protection and firewall. With this, Microsoft follows the strategy that good protection is located in several layers of defense around the object to be protected. This is called ‘defense in depth’ or ‘layered security’ in techies English or in our own language defense in depth. A strategy that we know from medieval castles with a moat, high walls and a keep in the middle.
Scan for malware
Good antimalware automatically checks files that are opened, as well as processes running in the computer’s memory requesting access to the files and folders on the hard drive, for example. Windows Defender also offers this real-time protection. It automatically performs a quick scan on a regular basis, checking key parts of the system and operating system for malware. If you want to know whether your system is safe, start such a scan yourself. Click on the icon of Windows Security in the system tray next to the clock to access this item. Then click on Virus & Threat Protection / Fast Scan. The scan will start immediately, a moment later you will see if any threats have been found.
4 Different scans
If you do not only want to check vulnerable folders, but for example the entire computer, click on Scan options, with the choice of one Full scan or a Custom scan. The first scans all files on all drives and that can take a long time. The latter offers after a click on Scan now the ability to choose a folder or file. In the meantime, the computer can be used as usual; other activity does affect the speed of the scan. So if you want to scan the entire computer and be sure as soon as possible whether there is an infection, leave the computer untouched during the scan.
5 Remove troublesome malware
If malware is found and it is difficult to remove, try it via the Microsoft Defender Offline Scan, the bottom of the scan options. First close all other programs and then click Scan now. Confirm the choice that you want to scan and let Windows Defender restart the computer. Windows will now reboot but in protected mode, in which it can really scan the computer from the outside. This makes Windows Defender even more powerful in recognizing and especially removing malware. It is advisable to perform this action regularly even without any malware being found.
6 Prevent
An important weapon in the prevention of malware is protection against unwanted software, files and malicious websites. Windows Defender provides the part for this App and browser management. Windows uses file reputation for this, which can vary from user to user. To configure these and other options, click Reputation security settings and, if desired, also switch the Blocking potentially unwanted apps in. Choose between Block app if you want to be able to download it but not start it and / or Block downloads if you don’t want software with a lesser reputation on your PC. The last choice is the safest. Leave the other options checked!
7 Ransomware Protection
What you also want to prevent is that ransomware encrypts files and then demands a ransom. Like more and more anti-malware programs, Windows Defender offers the ability to protect important folders and files. This part can be found via Virus and threat protection settings / Controlled folder access. Make sure the feature is turned on. There is no option to select folders yourself, but Windows itself selects all important folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Videos and also OneDrive.
8 Updates
Windows Defender Antivirus, like all other anti-malware programs, requires regular updates for its protection against malware. Updates to the signature files that help identify malware, as well as the reputation database. Obviously, an internet connection is required to receive these updates. If a PC or laptop has not been used for a long time, this information is outdated and the security scores lower in the beginning. Through Virus and threat protection / Virus and threat protection updates / Check for updates you can manually start checking for updates. If there are any updates, they are downloaded and applied immediately.
How Good Is Windows Defender?
In need of a good topic in a discussion with techies, ask if Windows Defender is good enough to secure a Windows PC. Everyone has an opinion about that. The fact is that in comparative tests of renowned antivirus testing labs such as AV Comparatives and AV-Test, Windows Defender has started to perform better in recent years. Sometimes even better than paid anti-malware products. In fact, only the security suites that have scored very high for a long time, such as Bitdefender, Kaspersky, F-Secure and sometimes also Avast, AVG, G Data and McAfee, managed to beat it. In the latest AV-Test antivirus software test in October 2020, Windows Defender achieved the maximum score and thus received the designation Top Product.
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