What is Windows Defender?

Windows Defender (called Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 Creators Update) is one of the most powerful and useful Anti-Malware created by by Microsoft several years ago. The software provides basic security solution to millions of computer users and it’s free to use. If you’re running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8, you’ve already got Windows Defender built in, helping to protect you against viruses, spyware, and other malware. While Windows Defender can’t be downloaded or used on versions of Windows prior to Windows 8, Microsoft does offer a predecessor to Windows Defender called Microsoft Security Essentials that can be freely downloaded and used on Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.

Windows Defender automatically runs in the background, only notifying users when a specific action needs to be addressed. It ensures all the Windows users are protected against viruses, pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software at all times. Users can also run scans on demand if desired or manually update the tool with the latest security definition files. This Anti-Malware not only offers Virus, Malware, Spyware Protection, but automatically enables real-time protection, cloud-based protection, and sample submission, The real-time protection is a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it’s detected. It minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive. And with the cloud-based protection feature, Windows Defender can send information to Microsoft’s servers (“the cloud”) whenever suspicious-looking events occur. Rather than making the decision entirely with the information available on your PC, the decision is made on Microsoft’s servers with access to the latest malware information available from Microsoft’s research time, machine-learning logic, and large amounts of up-to-date raw data. When sample submission feature is on, it can send sample files to Microsoft for further analysis and help protect from potential threats. Windows Defender in Windows 10 also has tamper protection that helps it identify a malware if the malware attempts to modify registry or app settings. It prevents tampering from both administrative accounts and standard accounts. With all the great features, Windows Defender Antivirus is rated as the best security solution in the market used to provide next generation protection for desktop and laptop.

Windows Defender delivers comprehensive, ongoing and real-time protection against software threats like viruses, malware and spyware across email, apps, the cloud and the web. When you open it, you will find it easy-to-use. The Windows Defender Security Center is organized around 7 security sections, including:

Virus and threat protection – Monitor threats to your device, run scans, and get updates to help detect the latest threats. (Some of these options are unavailable if you’re running Windows 10 in S mode.)
Account Protection – Access sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock.
Firewall and network protection – Manage firewall settings and monitor what’s happening with your networks and internet connections.
App & browser controll – Update settings for Windows Defender SmartScreen to help protect your device against potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads. Also provides exploit protection so you can customize protection settings for your devices.
Device Security – Review built-in security options to help protect your device from attacks by malicious software.
Device performance & health – View status info about your device’s performance health and keep your device clean and up to date with the latest version of Windows 10.
Family Options – Keep track of your kids’ online activity and the devices in your household.

When everything is fine on your PC, you can see a small green check mark there meaning your device is sufficiently protected and there aren’t any recommended actions. However, if there is something suspicious with your computer, there will be a yellow exclamation point requiring your further action and a red “X” when there’s something seriously wrong on your PC and it needs your immediate attention. Today, criminals have moved on from regular viruses to focus on Ransomware, zero-day attacks, and even worse malware that traditional antivirus just can’t handle. Windows Defender is built right in, blazing fast, doesn’t annoy you, and does its job cleaning old-school viruses. It helps you protect your device and files against viruses, spyware, rootkits, ransomware, and many other types of malware. Best of all, it is free of charge.

Posted on October 8, 2018 uninstalledly editor