Defending Against Malicious Software
Windows Defender (New!) helps you protect your computer from spyware and other potentially harmful software that attempts to install itself or run on your computer. Spyware is software that tries to collect information about you or change computer settings without your consent. Windows Defender alerts you in real-time when unwanted software tries to run on your computer. You can also use Windows Defender to scan your computer and set up a schedule to automatically scan on a regular basis. When you receive an alert of a potential problem, you can use the Microsoft SpyNet community to help you determine if the software is already to run. Windows Defender uses definitions to determine potential problems. Since software dangers continually change, it’s important to have up-to-date definitions, which you can get online.
Use Windows Defender
If a real-time alert appears with an attempt to:
- Install software. Click Ignore, Quarantine, Remove, or Always Allow.
- Change Windows settings. Click Permit or Deny.
- Install software. Click Ignore, Quarantine, Remove, or Always Allow.
Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click the Windows Defender icon in Classic view.
To perform a scan, click the Scan button arrow, and then click Quick Scan or Full Scan.
To view or clear history, click the History button, and then click an item to view history or click Clear History to remove all activities.
To go backward and forward to the previously viewed screens, click the Back or Forward button.
When you’re done, click the Close button.
Change Windows Defender Options
Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click the Windows Defender icon in Classic view.
Click the Tools button.
Click the links to the tools and settings you want to change:
- Options. Set up a scan schedule and choose default actions when alerts appear.
- Microsoft SpyNet. Allows you to join the SpyNet community.
- Quarantined items. Allows you to remove and restore items.
- Allowed items. Allows you to remove items from the list.
- Software Explorer. Allows you to scan your computer for programs and provide security information about them. You can stop, remove, disable or enable programs.
- Windows Defender website. Access the Windows Defender Web site at Microsoft to get updates and definitions.
- Options. Set up a scan schedule and choose default actions when alerts appear.
To go backward and forward to the previously viewed screens, click the Back or Forward button.
When you’re done, click the Close button.
