Applies ToMicrosoft Defender on Android Microsoft Defender on iOS Microsoft Defender on Mac Microsoft Defender on Windows Microsoft Defender Online
Microsoft Defender is the simple way to protect your digital life and all of your devices. It’s included as part of your Microsoft 365 Family, or Personal, subscription at no extra cost.
Important: This article is about the Microsoft Defender app that is included with Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscriptions. If you’re looking for information about the Microsoft Defender antivirus that is built into Microsoft Windows, see Stay protected with Windows Security.
If you haven’t installed Defender on your devices yet, follow the steps in Installing Microsoft Defender.
Microsoft Defender is a security app that helps people and families stay safer online with malware protection, web protection, real-time security notifications, and security tips. Microsoft Defender is included in a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription and works on your phone (Android or iOS), PC, and Mac.
Windows Security, formerly known as Windows Defender Security Center, is an app built into Windows 10 or 11 that helps keep your PC more secure. It includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, an antivirus tool that helps protect you against viruses, ransomware, and other malware.
For more information, see Stay protected with Windows Security.
Windows Defender Firewall is firewall software built into Windows that controls which network traffic is allowed, or blocked, from passing to or from your computer across the network. Windows Defender Firewall is on by default.
Anti-malware
Malware is malicious software which can steal or damage your personal data such as files, photos, or messages. It may also track or spy on you, steal your money, or use your device to cause other mischief like attacking other people.
On Windows, Mac, and Android Microsoft Defender can check files or apps you download and install, as well as run scans of files already on your system to spot any malware that may threaten your device.
To learn more about anti-malware see Getting started with anti-malware in Microsoft Defender.
Tip:
Stay up-to-date and install the latest updates on all your devices and apps (especially browsers) to help prevent malware.
Microsoft Defender works alongside your existing antimalware solutions, even if they’re made by other companies such as Norton or Bitdefender.
Web protection
Many of the digital attacks we see are through harmful websites that try to trick you into revealing personal information—such as usernames and passwords, credit cards, or other account information—or installing malware on your system. On Windows, iOS, and Android Microsoft Defender will check links that you (or an app on your device) open to try and spot any that may be dangerous.
If we find a harmful link, we’ll block it and let you know.
To learn more about web protection in Microsoft Defender, see Getting started with web protection.
Tip:
What is phishing? It’s a trick to steal your info or get you to install malware by pretending to be a message from someone you trust. For more information see Protect yourself from phishing.
Identity theft monitoring
We’ve partnered with Experian® to bring world class identity theft monitoring to Microsoft Defender. This feature allows you to monitor your own identity details, as well as your family’s, for breaches on both the public internet and the dark web.
Important: Identity theft monitoring is currently only available to customers in the United States.
If we spot your personal details in a breach, you’ll receive an alert and a detailed breach report telling you exactly what data was found and where. You’ll get recommendations on what to do right away to address the situation, details on how this might have happened, information on the possible risks, and tips on how to reduce the chances of it happening again.
You also get 24/7 phone access to a team of highly skilled identity theft professionals who can guide you through the process of addressing the breached details or provide full-service identity restoration services in the event an identity thief is using your personal details to commit fraud.
To learn more see Getting started with identity theft monitoring in Microsoft Defender.
Adding other devices
You can add up to 4 additional devices (for a total of 5 per person) to your Microsoft Defender account by installing the app on your other devices and signing in using the same personal Microsoft account. These devices will appear on your Microsoft Defender dashboard so you can see the security status of all your devices in one place.
For more information, see Adding devices to your Microsoft Defender account.
Helping to protect the whole family
If you’re a Microsoft 365 Family subscriber, the people who have the Family Organizer role can help to protect the devices and identities of everybody in the family. When other family members install Microsoft Defender and choose to share their device security or identity monitoring status, the family organizers will see that status on their Microsoft Defender dashboard.
For more information, See your family’s devices in Microsoft Defender.
We’d love to hear from you!
Your feedback is key to making our products better, so if there’s anything you like about Microsoft Defender, and especially if there’s anything you don’t like, please let us know! You can send us feedback in the app by going to the Help and feedback menu.
On Windows or Mac, select the  button near the top right of the window. On Android or iOS, tap your account avatar at the top left to find Help and feedback.
Visit the Microsoft Defender community on Microsoft Answers!
Want to ask, or answer, questions about Microsoft Defender? Chat with others who are using Defender? Visit the Microsoft Answers community for Microsoft Defender here!
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Turning on Windows Defender in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that ensures your computer is protected from viruses and malware. Start by accessing the Windows Security settings from the Start menu. Once there, navigate to the Virus & threat protection section and toggle on the Real-time protection feature. With these simple steps, you can activate Windows Defender and keep your system safe from potential threats.
Activating Windows Defender in Windows 10 will help protect your computer from various security threats. Follow these easy steps to get started.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
The Start menu is your go-to hub for accessing settings and applications on your Windows 10 computer. It’s the door to navigating through your system’s options.
Step 2: Access Windows Security
Type “Windows Security” in the search bar and click on the app that appears.
Windows Security is a centralized platform where you can manage all your security settings. It’s like your personal security dashboard.
Step 3: Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection
Select the ‘Virus & threat protection’ option from the menu on the left.
This section specifically deals with virus and threat settings, providing you with controls to manage how your computer detects and handles potential threats.
Step 4: Turn on Real-Time Protection
Locate the Real-time protection toggle and switch it on.
Real-time protection is a critical feature that continuously scans your computer for suspicious activity and threats. By turning it on, your system can detect and neutralize threats as they arise.
Step 5: Confirm Activation
Make sure the toggle switch shows that Real-time protection is on, and you’re all set.
Seeing the switch in the “on” position ensures that Windows Defender is actively monitoring your system and providing a crucial layer of protection.
Once you’ve completed these steps, Windows Defender will actively monitor your computer for viruses and malware. This built-in security feature works continuously in the background, ensuring that your system remains safe from potential threats without interrupting your daily activities.
Tips for Turning on Windows Defender in Windows 10
- Make sure your computer is connected to the internet for the latest security updates.
- Keep Windows Defender updated to ensure maximum protection.
- Regularly check the Virus & threat protection section for any alerts or actions needed.
- Consider scheduling regular scans to maintain optimal security.
- Familiarize yourself with additional security features in Windows Security for comprehensive protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows Defender enough for my computer’s security?
Windows Defender provides solid protection against most threats, but combining it with good browsing habits and occasional full system scans can enhance your security.
Can I use Windows Defender alongside another antivirus?
While it’s possible, running two antivirus programs can cause conflicts. It’s best to stick with one or consult with a tech expert if you need additional protection layers.
What if Real-time protection is greyed out?
If you can’t turn on Real-time protection, another antivirus program might be installed. You may need to uninstall it or check its settings.
How do I know if Windows Defender is working?
You can check the status in the Windows Security dashboard. If Real-time protection is on, Windows Defender is actively protecting your system.
Is there a cost to use Windows Defender?
No, Windows Defender is a free tool included with Windows 10, offering comprehensive security without additional fees.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Access Windows Security.
- Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection.
- Turn on Real-Time Protection.
- Confirm Activation.
Conclusion
Turning on Windows Defender in Windows 10 is a crucial step in protecting your computer from digital threats. This built-in security tool provides a robust line of defense against viruses, malware, and other harmful software. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that Real-time protection is active and safeguarding your system around the clock.
Windows Defender is not only free but also continuously updated, offering peace of mind as you browse the web, download files, and use various applications. It works seamlessly in the background, allowing you to focus on your tasks without worrying about potential security breaches.
For those seeking to enhance their computer’s security, understanding and utilizing Windows Defender’s full capabilities is essential. Regularly check for updates, explore additional security settings, and, if needed, seek out expert advice to tailor your security strategy. Remember, a secure computer is not just about software; it’s also about smart usage habits.
Stay informed and proactive about your digital security, and your Windows 10 device will remain a safe and reliable companion in your daily life.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.
Windows Defender, also known as Windows Security or Microsoft Defender, is an essential security software that protects your computer from threats like viruses and malware. Since it is such an important tool, Windows gives you several ways to open Windows Defender. From the settings app to desktop shortcut to using Command Prompt, here are all the ways to launch Windows Defender.
Use Taskbar Search
Windows 11 includes a search bar on the taskbar. Click on the search bar and type “Windows Security.” Click “Windows Security” from the search results to launch the Defender application.
From the Start menu
If you don’t have a search bar on the taskbar, you can use the Start menu.
To start off, click on the Windows logo on the taskbar and type “Windows Security.” Select the top result and Windows Defender opens instantly.
Note: If multiple ‘Windows Security’ entries appear, clicking on any of them will open Windows Defender.
From Taskbar System Tray
If you prefer using your mouse, rather than using keyboard shortcuts or digging through menus, you can launch Windows Defender from the system tray located next to the taskbar clock.
To start off, look for the shield-shaped icon in the system tray and click on it to open the Windows Defender app. If you don’t see it immediately, click on the upward-pointing arrow (^) to reveal hidden icons.
Using the Settings app
Windows Defender is an integral part of Windows. As such, you can open it directly from the Settings. Open Settings by pressing the “Windows key + I” keyboard shortcut. Next, go to the “Privacy & Security” > “Windows Security” page in the Settings app and click on “Open Windows Security.”
Using Run Dialog
As with most applications and settings on Windows, you can use the Run dialog to get to Windows Defender. First, open the Run window by pressing the “Windows key + R” shortcut. Next, type windowsdefender: and click on the “OK” button.
With Desktop Shortcut
If you want, you can create a desktop shortcut for Windows Defender. Once created, you can open it using the desktop shortcut. Let’s learn how to do it.
First, right-click on the desktop and select “New” > “Shortcut.” Type “windowsdefender:” in the shortcut field and Click “Next.”
Type “Windows Defender” in the name field and click “Finish.”
You will now see the Windows Defender shortcut icon on the desktop. Double-click on it to launch the Defender app.
From File Explorer
Unlike the older versions, Windows Defender on Windows 11 and 10 has no special exe file you can use to launch it. The good thing is that you can use the same run command from earlier to launch Windows Defender via File Explorer.
Open File Explorer by pressing the “Windows key + E” shortcut. Type “windowsdefender:” in the address bar and press “Enter” on your keyboard.
From Windows Terminal
Open Windows Terminal. For that, press “Windows key + X” and choose “Terminal.” By default, the terminal opens with a PowerShell tab. If you want, you can open the Command Prompt tab by clicking on the downward-pointing arrow (˅) and selecting the “Command Prompt” tab. Next, use one of the below commands.
PowerShell command:
Start-Process "windowsdefender:"Command Prompt:
explorer windowsdefender:Using Task Manager
Right-click on the taskbar and click on “Task Manager.” In the Task Manager, navigate to the “Processes” tab and click on “Run new task” at the top. Type “windowsdefender:” in the blank field and click “OK.” This instantly launches the Windows Defender window.
Use a Batch File
You can also create a batch file (batch script) that opens the Windows Defender when you double-click on it. The batch script is very useful if you want access to Windows Defender as part of a much bigger process.
Press “Windows Key + R”, type notepad into the Run dialog box, and hit Enter. This will open a new Notepad window. Next, type the following line in the notepad.
start windowsdefender:
After that, click on the “File” > “Save As” option.
Navigate to the location where you want to save your batch file. In the ‘Save as type’ dropdown, select All Files. Type the name as “WindowsDefender.bat” and click “Save.” It’s important that you save the file with the “.bat” extension.
After creating the batch file, double-click on it to open Windows Defender. Since this is a script file, you can also use it in other scripts or programs.
Scheduled Task
If you want to open Windows Defender automatically at a specific time, you can use Windows Task Scheduler. Here’s how.
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type taskschd.msc and press Enter. This will open the Task Scheduler.
Click on “Create Basic Task” on the right sidebar of the Task Scheduler window. Type “Open Windows Defender” in the name field and click “Next.”
Select a trigger of your choice. For instance, I want Windows Defender to open as soon as I log in. So, I selected “When I log on.” Click “Next.”
Choose the “Start a Program” option in the Actions window and click “Next.” Type explorer in the “Program/Script” and then type “windowsdefender:” in the “Add Arguments” field. Click “Next.”
Review the settings and click on “Finish.” From now on, Windows Defender will open automatically according to the scheduled task.
And there you have it—multiple ways to open Windows Defender in Windows 11. If you know more ways, comment below and let me know. I will add them to the article.
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A simple guide to keeping your computer safe with Microsoft Defender
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- Turning on Microsoft Defender
- Troubleshooting
- Video
- Q&A
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Is Microsoft Defender, formerly Windows Defender, inactive on your PC? Turning on Defender in Windows Security is easy, but sometimes other programs can stop it from running. This wikiHow guide will show you how to turn on Microsoft Defender on your Windows 10 or 11 PC and help you troubleshoot errors along the way.
Things You Should Know
- To turn on Defender, open Windows Security and select «Firewall & network protection.» Choose the active network, then enable «Microsoft Defender Firewall.»
- If Microsoft Defender won’t turn on, you may have another antivirus program running. Uninstalling it should fix the problem.
- If you’re using a work computer, you may need to turn on Defender using Group Policy Editor.
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A fast way to get there is to right-click the Windows menu in the taskbar and select Settings. You can also click the gear icon in the Windows menu.
- If Microsoft Defender has turned itself off, it’s usually because there’s another antivirus or antimalware program on your PC. Try this method first to enable Defender—if it doesn’t turn back on, or if you’ve seen an error that says «The Service Couldn’t Be Started» or » Windows Defender is turned off by group policy,» see the Troubleshooting section.
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The steps are a little different depending on your version of Windows:
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Windows 10:
- Click Update & Security.
- Click Windows Security in the left panel.
- Click Firewall & network protection.
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Windows 11:
- Click Privacy & Security in the left panel.
- Click Windows Security at the top of the right panel.
- Click Firewall & network protection.[1]
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Windows 10:
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You can enable or disable Microsoft Defender for different networks, which can be useful if you use your computer at work and home. To turn on Defender for the current network, click the network that’s labeled «Active.»
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If the switch is turned off, clicking it should turn on Microsoft Defender.
- If you’re connected to a network at work or school, the admin may be using a different security method on the network and may not allow you to turn on Microsoft Defender.
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Other antivirus software (e.g., Kaspersky, Norton, McAfee) turns off Defender so it can take control of your PC’s security. If you prefer using Microsoft Defender, you can reenable it by uninstalling your other security software.
- To find out which antivirus program you have:
- Open Windows Settings and go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or Privacy & Security (Windows 11).
- Click Windows Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- If you see a program that isn’t Microsoft Defender, that’s the program you’d need to uninstall if you want to use Defender.
- To uninstall a program:
- Press the Windows key on the keyboard, type uninstall, and click Add or remove programs.
- Find the software you want to uninstall in the list, then click Uninstall. If you’re using Windows 11, click the three-dot icon on the software first.
- After uninstalling your other security software, restart your PC. Microsoft Defender will automatically turn back on.
- If Microsoft Defender doesn’t turn back on after your computer finishes restarting, you can try turning it on manually.
- To find out which antivirus program you have:
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If you can’t turn on Microsoft Defender when connecting to your work network, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key, type group policy, and click Edit group policy.[2]
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- Scroll down and select Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- Select either Disabled or Not configured to turn on Defender.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Then, return to Windows Security in your Settings and select Virus & threat protection.
- Click Manage settings and enable both «Real-time protection» and «Cloud-delivered protection.»
- Press the Windows key, type group policy, and click Edit group policy.[2]
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If you see an error that says «The Service Couldn’t Be Started» when trying to turn on Microsoft Defender, the service may have stopped. To check and restart the service:
- Press the Windows key on the keyboard, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Scroll down to the «Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service.»
- Check the «Status» column. If you see «Running,» you don’t need to do anything to the service.
- If there is nothing in the «Status» column, right-click the service and select Properties. Then, change the «Startup type» to «Automatic,» click Start, and then click OK. Try turning on Windows Defender again.
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If Microsoft Defender still won’t turn on, go to this Microsoft support page and click Download to download the troubleshooter. Once downloaded, double-click the file, and follow the on-screen instructions to identify and fix problems with Defender not starting.[3]
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If your Windows PC is infected with malware, you may be unable to turn on Defender or uninstall unfamiliar antivirus apps. To scan for malware, go to this page at Microsoft.com and click Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (64-bit) (or 32-bit, depending on your architecture) to download the file. Double-click the file once downloaded, and follow the on-screen instructions to scan.
- If you cannot download or run the file, try booting into Safe Mode first.
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Question
How do I disable Windows Defender on Windows 10?
There are a couple of ways you can turn off Windows Defender in Windows 10, both of which are discussed in the wikiHow article «How to Turn Off Windows Defender in Windows 10». You can use the Windows Defender menu to turn off Windows Defender temporarily, or you can turn it off indefinitely by using a Registry Editor modification.
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Question
How do I turn on Windows Defender with Norton installed?
You can only have one or the other enabled. Norton Security will try to turn off Windows Defender, as it interferes with Norton’s scanning feature.
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Question
My PC won’t allow me to turn on Windows Defender, it says «This program is blocked by group policy.» What do I do?
If you are using a work or school PC, they usually have other antivirus programs enabled and Windows Defender has been blocked centrally. You can ask your system administrator, but they will probably not do anything about it unless this is an accident (which is quite rare).
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Microsoft Defender is the best antivirus for Windows computers, so you shouldn’t need to install a third-party antivirus program. All that installing another antivirus does is change the provider of the malware definitions.
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Способ 1: Параметры ОС
Чтобы включить Защитник, интегрированный в ОС Windows 10, не подвергавшееся серьёзному вмешательству и не повреждённая, необходимо:
— Открыть «Параметры» ОС.
— Перейти в настройки Windows с названием «Обновление и безопасность».
— В меню слева нажмите «Безопасность Windows».
— Откройте изменения модуля «Защита от вирусов и угроз».
— Нажмите «Включить» под уведомлением «Защита в режиме реального времени отключена.».
— После выполнения приступайте к настройке работы Windows Defender либо продолжите эксплуатацию защищённого антивирусом от Microsoft ПК.
Способ 2: Изменение групповой политики
Если включение Защитника невозможно по схеме выше (кнопка включения/переключатели неактивны или в «Параметрах» ОС появилось сообщение об ограничениях со стороны организации) решением послужит изменение параметров групповой политики Windows.
— Откройте Редактор групповой политики Windows 10. Воспользуйтесь для этого поиском.
— Поочерёдно нажмите по пунктам слева от Редактора групповой политики перечня: «Конфигурация компьютера» — «Административные шаблоны».
— Раскройте папку «Компоненты Windows».
— В перечне каталогов нажмите «Антивирусная программа «Microsoft Defender»».
— Перейдите в правую часть Редактора, дважды нажмите «Выключить антивирусную программу «Microsoft Defender»».
— Нажмите «Отключено», и подтвердите изменение параметра через «ОК».
— В развёрнутой папке «Антивирусная программа «Microsoft Defender» «присутствует «Защита в режиме реального времени» — нажмите на нее.
— Дважды нажмите на название параметра «Выключить защиту в реальном времени».
— В открывшемся окне установите значение «Отключено» и подтвердите внесенное изменение «ОК».
— Затем поочередно дважды кликая по указанным на следующем скриншоте трём элементам,
в открывающихся диалоговых окнах отметьте «Не задано».
— Закройте Редактор и перезагрузите компьютер. В результате проблем с запуском Защитника Windows, если они были вызваны настройками групповых политик, возникать не должно.
Способ 3: Системный реестр
Если предыдущий способ запуска Windows Defender не может быть применен или не дает желаемого результата, решение кроется во внесение правок в реестр ОС от Microsoft.
— Запустите Редактор Реестра Windows, используя поиск по системе.
— Перед любыми действиями в системном реестре рекомендуем создать резервную копию. Для этого выберите пункт «Экспорт» в меню «Файл» Редактора.
— В окне Редактора слева откройте по очереди папки «HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE» и «SOFTWARE».
— Далее «Policies» и нажмите «Microsoft».
Нажмите на наименование каталога «Windows Defender».
— Справа дважды нажмите на «DisableAntiSpyware».
— В открывшемся окне введите 0 (ноль) в поле «Значение» и нажмите «ОК».
— Откройте папку «Real-Time Protection» в директории «Windows Defender».
— Аналогичным образом присвойте значение 0 параметру «DisableRealtimeMonitoring».
— Закройте Редактор, перезагрузите компьютер, далее активируйте антивирусное ПО по инструкции «Способ 1» или убедитесь, что это произошло автоматически.
Решение возможных проблем
В тех случаях, когда задача не решается через наши рекомендации, то это свидетельствует о повреждение компонентов Windows 10. Для устранения проблемы необходимо запустить проверку и восстановление системных файлов ОС.
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