Step 1: Accessing the Control Panel
Go to the Start menu and click on the Control Panel option. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel from the menu.
Step 2: Opening Windows Defender
In the Control Panel window, navigate to the System and Security section and click on the Windows Defender Firewall option. This will open the Windows Defender Firewall page.
Step 3: Enabling Windows Defender
On the left-hand side of the Windows Defender Firewall page, click on the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option. This will open the Customize Settings page.
Step 4: Customizing Windows Defender Settings
On the Customize Settings page, you will see two options: “Turn on Windows Defender Firewall” and “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.” Select the option that says “Turn on Windows Defender Firewall” for both the private network settings and public network settings.
Step 5: Confirming the Changes
Once you have selected the appropriate options, click on the OK button to save your settings. Windows Defender will now be activated on your Windows 8.1 computer.
Step 6: Updating Windows Defender
After activating Windows Defender, it is essential to keep it up to date to ensure that it can effectively protect your system from the latest threats. To update Windows Defender on Windows 8.1, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Defender by clicking on the Start menu and searching for “Windows Defender.”
- Once Windows Defender is open, click on the Update tab at the top of the window.
- Click on the Update button to check for and install any available updates.
Activating Windows Defender on Windows 8.1 is a simple process that can help ensure the security of your computer. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can activate Windows Defender and keep it updated to defend against various threats effectively.
Remember, having an activated antivirus program is crucial for the ongoing safety and security of your computer, so be sure to activate and update Windows Defender regularly.