How to Activate Windows Defender on Your PC

Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows operating systems. It helps protect your computer from malware, viruses, and other security threats. However, in some cases, Windows Defender may be turned off or disabled by default. In this article, we will guide you on how to activate Windows Defender on your PC.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

To begin the process, open the Start menu on your PC and type “Windows Security” in the search box. Click on the Windows Security app from the search results to open it.

Step 2: Check Windows Defender’s Status

Once you have opened Windows Security, click on the “Virus & threat protection” tab located on the left side of the window. Under the Virus & threat protection settings, you will see a message indicating the status of Windows Defender. If it says “Your device is being monitored,” it means that Windows Defender is already active on your PC. However, if it says “Your device is at risk” or “No action needed,” it means that Windows Defender is currently inactive.

Step 3: Activate Windows Defender

To activate Windows Defender, click on the “Virus & threat protection” tab again. Under the Virus & threat protection settings, click on the “Manage settings” option.

Step 4: Enable Real-Time Protection

Scroll down to the “Real-Time Protection” section and toggle the switch to the “On” position. This will enable Windows Defender’s real-time protection feature, which continuously scans your computer for any potential threats in real-time.

Step 5: Enable Cloud-Delivered Protection and Automatic Sample Submission

Below the “Real-Time Protection” section, you will find the options for “Cloud-delivered protection” and “Automatic sample submission.” It is recommended to turn these options on as well to enhance Windows Defender’s capabilities. Toggle the switches next to each option to enable them.

Step 6: Update Windows Defender

Updating Windows Defender is crucial to ensure it can protect your PC against the latest threats. To update Windows Defender, click on the “Virus & threat protection” tab again, and then click on the “Check for updates” button. This will trigger Windows Defender to search for and install any available updates.

Step 7: Schedule Regular Scans

To maintain the security of your PC, it is recommended to schedule regular scans with Windows Defender. Click on the “Home” tab on the left side of the Windows Security window, and then click on the “Quick scan” or “Full scan” option to initiate a scan. You can also click on the “Advanced scan” option to customize the scan settings according to your preferences.

By following these steps, you can activate Windows Defender on your PC and ensure that it provides optimal protection against security threats. Remember to regularly update Windows Defender and perform scans to keep your computer safe. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid installing other antivirus software, as they can conflict with Windows Defender and affect its performance.

Windows Defender is a valuable tool that helps ensure the security and well-being of your computer, so activating it is essential to safeguard your data and privacy.