What is Windows Defender? How to Use in Windows 11?
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a built-in antivirus and anti-malware solution for Windows operating systems. It provides real-time protection against a variety of security threats, including viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware. Since it's integrated into Windows 10 and 11, it works seamlessly with the operating system and requires minimal setup.
Key Features of Windows Defender:
- Real-Time Protection: Continuously monitors your system for threats and automatically neutralizes them.
- Cloud-Delivered Protection: Utilizes Microsoft's cloud services to quickly identify and respond to new threats.
- Automatic Updates: Regularly updates virus definitions and the software itself to protect against the latest threats.
- Firewall & Network Protection: Helps protect your device by monitoring and blocking unauthorized network connections.
- Ransomware Protection: Includes Controlled Folder Access to protect files from being encrypted by ransomware.
- Parental Controls: Provides options to set screen time limits, restrict content, and monitor activities for child accounts.
How to Use Windows Defender in Windows 11
Using Windows Defender in Windows 11 is straightforward, as it is enabled by default. Here's how you can access and manage its features:
1. Accessing Windows Defender
- Step 1: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (or press
Win + I). - Step 2: Go to Privacy & Security on the left-hand side.
- Step 3: Click on Windows Security.
- Step 4: Select Open Windows Security to launch the Windows Security interface.
2. Running a Quick or Full Scan
- Step 1: In the Windows Security interface, click on Virus & threat protection.
- Step 2: Under Current threats, click on Quick scan to scan the most vulnerable areas of your system.
- Step 3: To run a full system scan, click on Scan options, select Full scan, and then click Scan now.
3. Managing Real-Time Protection
- Step 1: In the Virus & threat protection section, click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
- Step 2: Ensure that Real-time protection is toggled on. This ensures that Windows Defender continuously monitors your system for threats.
4. Enabling Ransomware Protection
- Step 1: In the Virus & threat protection section, scroll down to find Ransomware protection.
- Step 2: Click on Manage ransomware protection.
- Step 3: Toggle on Controlled folder access to protect files and folders from unauthorized changes by malicious programs.
5. Using Firewall & Network Protection
- Step 1: Go back to the Windows Security home screen and click on Firewall & network protection.
- Step 2: Here, you can view the status of your network profiles (Domain, Private, Public) and manage settings for each.
- Step 3: Ensure that the firewall is turned on for all network profiles to protect against unauthorized access.
6. Updating Windows Defender
- Step 1: In the Virus & threat protection section, scroll down and click on Check for updates under Virus & threat protection updates.
- Step 2: Click on Check for updates to ensure that you have the latest virus definitions and software updates.
7. Setting Up Parental Controls
- Step 1: Go to the Family options in Windows Security.
- Step 2: Click on View family settings. This will open a browser window where you can manage screen time, content restrictions, and activity reporting for child accounts.
Additional Tips:
- Use Microsoft Account: Logging into Windows 11 with a Microsoft account allows for better integration with Windows Defender, including cloud protection and device tracking.
- Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update Windows 11 to ensure you have the latest security features and patches.
Windows Defender provides robust protection with minimal user intervention, making it an excellent choice for everyday users looking for a hassle-free security solution.