Step 1: Open Windows Security
To activate Windows Defender, start by opening Windows Security. There are two simple ways to access it:
- Click on the Start button, then select Settings. In the Settings window, click on Update & Security and then Windows Security.
- Alternatively, you can type “Windows Security” in the search bar next to the Start button and click on the corresponding result.
Step 2: Check Security Status
Once you have opened Windows Security, check the status of your device’s security by looking at the home screen. If you see a message indicating either “Your device is being protected by another antivirus program” or “Your device is at risk,” it means that Windows Defender is either turned off or disabled.
Step 3: Activate Windows Defender
To activate Windows Defender, click on the Virus & Threat Protection tab in the Windows Security window. Here, you will find various security options and settings.
- In the Virus & Threat Protection section, click on the Manage Settings link.
- Make sure the Real-time protection toggle switch is turned on. This ensures that Windows Defender scans and protects your computer in real-time.
- Scroll down to the Exclusions section and click on Add or remove exclusions.
- You can add specific files, folders, or file types to be excluded from Windows Defender scans if needed.
Step 4: Update and Run a Scan
After activating Windows Defender, it’s important to update both the virus definitions and perform a scan to ensure your computer is fully protected.
- Go back to the Virus & Threat Protection tab in the Windows Security window.
- Click on the Quick Scan or Full Scan option. Quick Scan checks the most vulnerable areas of your system, while Full Scan checks all files and folders.
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided by Windows Defender if any threats are found.
That’s it! You have successfully activated Windows Defender and ensured the security of your Windows 10 computer. Remember to keep your Virus & Threat Protection settings up to date and perform regular scans to stay protected against the latest threats.
We hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or encounter any issues while activating Windows Defender, feel free to leave a comment below.