Windows 10: What is Windows Defender?

Windows has an antivirus built into the operating system that protects your computer from malware. Get an overview of the most important info about Windows' in-house anti-virus software and learn how to manually enable Windows Defender.

Windows 10: All info about Windows Defender

Windows Defender is also responsible for protecting your computer from viruses and malware in Windows 10, as long as no other anti-virus software is installed on the system.

• Unlike most virus programs, Defender offers only basic protection, but still already protects against most threats.
• To avoid possible compilations with other virus programs, Windows automatically disables Defender as soon as other anti-virus software is installed.
• To ensure that Defender is always up to date and detects all possible threats, Microsoft provides the integrated virus program with regular updates.

Enable Windows Defender manually

If you want to turn on Windows Defender manually, it works via the Windows settings of the computer.

1. Click on the Windows icon in your taskbar and select the gear icon.
2. Click in the overview on "Update and Security" and then on the left in the navigation on "Windows Security".
3. Select there the item "Virus & Threat Protection".
4. Activate the slider under the item "Options of Windows Defender Antivirus".

In addition to the Windows settings, you also have the option to turn Windows Defender on and off via the command prompt.