Is Windows Defender automatically on?

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.
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Does Windows Defender run automatically?

Automatic Scans

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. It won't ask you what you want to do with the malicious software it finds.
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How do I know if Windows Defender is on?

Open Task Manager and click on Details tab. Scroll down and look for MsMpEng.exe and the Status column will show if it's running. Defender won't be running if you have another anti-virus installed. Also, you can open Settings [edit: >Update & security] and choose Windows Defender in the left panel.
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Should I keep Windows Defender on or off?

If you absolutely need to run an app that Defender has issues with, and you're sure it's safe, you may want to turn off Defender. If you're already using a professional antivirus, it doesn't make sense to keep Microsoft Defender along, as it will only cause unnecessary bugs and frivolously eat up your PC resources.
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What happens if you turn off Windows Defender?

As antivirus software, Windows Defender is the first line of defense between you and any malicious software you might stumble upon while browsing the internet or using external storage. Disabling it without proper consideration could be detrimental to your security.
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How to Disable or Enable Windows Defender on Windows 10



Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus good enough?

Microsoft's Defender is pretty good at detecting malware files, blocking exploits and network-based attacks, and flagging phishing sites. It even includes simple PC performance and health reports as well as parental controls with content filtering, usage limitations, and location tracking.
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How do I get Windows Defender to turn on?

Turn on real-time and cloud-delivered protection
  1. Select the Start menu.
  2. In the search bar, type Windows Security. ...
  3. Select Virus & threat protection.
  4. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
  5. Flip each switch under Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection to turn them on.
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How do I turn on Windows Defender in win 10?

Turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus real-time protection on or off
  1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection > Manage settings. ...
  2. Switch the Real-time protection setting to Off and choose Yes to verify.
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How do I turn on Windows Defender Virus protection?

Open the Windows Security app by searching the start menu for Security, and then selecting Windows Security. Select the Virus & threat protection tile (or the shield icon on the left menu bar). Select Virus & threat protection settings. Toggle the Real-time protection switch to On.
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Can Windows Defender scan when computer is off?

Use the Windows Defender Security app to run an offline scan

Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now. In Windows 10, version 1607, the offline scan could be run from under Windows Settings > Update & security > Windows Defender or from the Windows Defender client.
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How often does Windows Defender scan your computer?

By default, Microsoft Defender Antivirus checks for an update 15 minutes before the time of any scheduled scans. You can Manage the schedule for when protection updates should be downloaded and applied to override this default.
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Is Windows Defender full scan good?

They are quick but effective in most cases. The full scan is checking every single file and folder on your hard drive including memory, boot sectors, tasks, backup files, temp files, cookies, startup items/running programs, .
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Is Windows Defender Firewall the same as Windows Defender?

Windows Firewall (officially called Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 10), is a firewall component of Microsoft Windows.
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Do you need to activate Windows Defender?

Enabling of Windows Defender is not necessary as your computer is protected by Windows Defender. No tick: No antivirus present and Windows Defender is not enabled in your computer. Please proceed to next step to enable Windows Defender, to keep your personal computer safe.
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Do you still need antivirus with Windows 10?

Does Windows 10 need antivirus? Although Windows 10 has built-in antivirus protection in the form of Windows Defender, it still needs additional software, either Defender for Endpoint or a third-party antivirus.
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Why can't I turn on Windows Defender antivirus?

If Windows Defender is not working, that's usually caused by the fact that it detects another antimalware software. Make sure you uninstall the third-party security solution completely, with a dedicated program. Try checking the system file by using some built-in, command-line tools from your OS.
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How do I start Windows Defender in Windows 11?

How to Open Windows Defender in Windows 10/11 – 5 Ways
  1. Press Windows + R, type control panel, and press Enter to open Control Panel.
  2. Click System and Security and click Windows Defender Firewall to open its settings.
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Can Windows Defender remove Trojan?

Windows Defender comes packed with the Windows 10 update and offers top-notch antimalware protection to keep your device and data safe. Although, Windows Defender is not capable of handling all kinds of viruses, malware, trojan, and other security threats.
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Is Norton better than Windows Defender?

Norton 360 takes the top spot as the better antivirus option against Microsoft Defender. While Microsoft Defender provides a great real-time malware detection rate, it doesn't match up to the Norton 360, which detected and blocked every threat thrown its way.
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Is McAfee better than Windows Defender?

McAfee Antivirus - PC »

McAfee ties for fifth in our rating of the Best Antivirus Software of 2022 and is No. 10 in our rating of the Best Antivirus Software for Macs. Microsoft Defender is not rated.
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Should Windows Defender Firewall be on?

It's important to have Microsoft Defender Firewall on, even if you already have another firewall on. It helps protect you from unauthorized access. Select a network profile: Domain network, Private network, or Public network.
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Should I turn off Windows Defender Firewall?

Unless you are troubleshooting an issue or plan on installing another firewall, we recommend you don't disable your Windows Firewall. If you're disabling the firewall because a program can't access the Internet, see: How to allow a program or game through the Windows Firewall. Open Network Connections.
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Is Windows Defender good enough 2021?

Microsoft Defender scores 9.6, which is quite a good score. It's better than any other free product tested with this same sample set. Adaware, Avast, and Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition all score 9.2, while Kaspersky, Panda, and Avira score still lower.
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How often should I run a full scan on my computer?

Set your software to do a full scan once a week. You can also do a further manual 'quick' scan any time you choose, although this is only usually necessary if your PC is exhibiting suspicious behaviour.
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Is full scan necessary?

Typically, you do not need to perform a full scan. Real time protection is monitoring activity and file access on your PC, so if you attempt to open an infected file, it should detect the infection and stop you. A full scan is very time consuming and disk intensive.
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