Does Windows Defender need to be turned on?
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Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support. Turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus to access company resources
In this articleOrganizations want to ensure that devices accessing their resources are secured, so they may require you to use Microsoft Defender Antivirus and additional Windows Security features. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is an antivirus software that's included in Windows and can help protect your device from viruses, malware, and other threats. This article describe how to update your device settings to meet your organization's antivirus requirements and resolve access problems. Turn on Microsoft Defender AntivirusComplete the following steps to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus on your device.
Turn on real-time and cloud-delivered protectionComplete the following steps to turn on real-time and cloud-delivered protection. Together, these antivirus features protect you against spyware and can deliver fixes for malware issues via the cloud.
If you don't see these options on your screen, they may be hidden. Complete the following steps to make them visible.
Update your antivirus definitionsComplete the following steps to update your antivirus definitions.
Next stepsStill need help? Contact your support person. To find your organization's contact information, sign in to the Company Portal website. FeedbackSubmit and view feedback for Windows 10 and 11 include Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats. Tip: If you're a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscriber you get Microsoft Defender, our advanced security software for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as part of your subscription. Learn more at Getting started with Microsoft Defender.
Windows 10 or 11 in S mode Some features will be a little different if you're running Windows 10 or 11 in S mode. Because this mode is streamlined for tighter security, the Virus & threat protection area has fewer options. But don't worry—the built-in security of this mode automatically prevents viruses and other threats from running on your device, and you'll receive security updates automatically. For more info, see Windows 10 or 11 in S mode FAQ. Important security info
Understand and customize Windows Security featuresWindows Security is your home to manage the tools that protect your device and your data:
To customize how your device is protected with these Windows Security features select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security or select the button below. Status icons indicate your level of safety:
Run a malware scan manuallyIf you're worried about a specific file or folder on your local device, you can right-click the file or folder in File Explorer, then select Scan with Microsoft Defender. Tip: On Windows 11 you may have to select Show more options after you right-click to see the option to scan the file or folder. If you suspect there's malware or a virus on your device, you should immediately run a quick scan. Run a quick scan in Windows SecurityNote: Because of streamlined security, this isn't available if you're running Windows 10 or 11 in S mode.
If the scan doesn't find any issues, but you're still concerned, you may want to check your device more thoroughly. Run an advanced scan in Windows Security
Learn more about running an advanced scan Schedule your own scanEven though Windows Security is regularly scanning your device to keep it safe, you can also set when and how often the scans occur. Note: Because of streamlined security, this isn't available if you're running Windows 10 or 11 in S mode. Schedule a scan
Turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus real-time protection on or offSometimes you may need to briefly stop running real-time protection. While real-time protection is off, files you open or download won't be scanned for threats. However, real-time protection will soon turn on automatically again to protect your device. Turn real-time protection off temporarilyNote: Because of streamlined security, this isn't available if you're running Windows 10 or 11 in S mode.
See alsoHow malware can infect your PC Microsoft security help and learning What will happen if Windows Defender is off?Turning off Microsoft Defender Firewall could make your device (and network, if you have one) more vulnerable to unauthorized access. If there's an app you need to use that's being blocked, you can allow it through the firewall, instead of turning the firewall off.
Is Windows Defender automatically on?Like other anti-malware applications, Windows Defender automatically runs in the background, scanning files when they are accessed and before user open them. When a malware is detected, Windows Defender inform you.
Does Windows 10 automatically run Windows Defender?In Windows 10, version 1703 and later, the Windows Defender app is part of the Windows Security. Settings that were previously part of the Windows Defender client and main Windows Settings have been combined and moved to the new app, which is installed by default as part of Windows 10, version 1703.
Why would Windows Defender be turned off?If Windows Defender is turned off, this may be because you have another antivirus app installed on your machine (check Control Panel, System and Security, Security and Maintenance to make sure). You should turn off and uninstall this app before running Windows Defender to avoid any software clashes.
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