Windows Defender
Introduction
Windows Defender is the antivirus and antimalware solution built into Windows. It is enabled by default and provides real-time protection against threats: viruses, spyware, ransomware, etc. Windows Defender works seamlessly with Windows Update to receive the latest virus definitions.
Since Windows 10, Windows Defender is part of a larger suite called Windows Security (Windows Security Center), offering comprehensive system protection.
Main Components of Windows Defender
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Virus & threat protection | File scanning, virus detection, quarantine |
| Account protection | Monitoring logins and identities |
| Firewall & network protection | Integration with Windows Firewall |
| App & browser control | Protection against potentially dangerous apps and suspicious websites |
| Device security | Monitoring hardware integrity and secure boot |
| Device performance & health | System health reports |
| Family options | Parental controls and child account management |
Available Scan Modes
- Quick scan: checks critical locations (running processes, registry, startup files).
- Full scan: checks the entire system.
- Custom scan: allows selecting specific folders.
- Windows Defender Offline scan: restarts the computer and runs a scan outside of Windows to detect deeply embedded malware.
User Interface
Accessible via:
Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security
Graphical interface for:
- Viewing protection status
- Running a scan
- Managing quarantines
- Configuring protections
Best Practices
- Never disable Defender except for specific testing or troubleshooting.
- Keep the system updated for the latest threat signatures.