What Is Windows Defender

Like me there are many people who want to know what is a windows defender and what does it do to the computer and how it works. This post will give a detailed answer to all these questions that we have about windows defender.

What is a Windows Defender?

A windows Defender is a software program that scans your system to detect any viruses, spywares and malwares and remove the viruses from your computer and protect it. In other words it is an inbuilt antivirus program that comes along with the windows.

With windows XP operating system, windows defender was available as a free download which you can download it from the net and install it on your computer. Later with windows Vista and windows 7 operating system it was packed along with the OS by default and there is no need for downloading it. You just need to check whether it is turned on and it is offering protection to your computer.

While Microsoft allowed the users to install their antivirus program Microsoft Security essentials along with windows defender in Windows Vista and Windows 7 for providing complete protection, Windows 8 operating system does not allow you to use Microsoft security essentials along with windows defender and it is not needed too. Because in windows 8 the windows defender has all the features and capabilities of a basic antivirus program thereby eliminating the need for Microsoft essentials or any other third party antivirus program.

If you are using windows 8 OS and not satisfied with the protection the windows defender offers to the computer and if you have installed a third party antivirus software in your pc, then the windows defender will automatically get turned off and does not provide protection. When you uninstall the antivirus software then the windows defender will automatically get turned on and resume its functions. But with windows XP, Vista and 7 the windows defender does not turn off when a third party antivirus software is installed.

Microsoft with its latest operating system Windows 10 has eliminated the need for Microsoft security essentials. Yes the windows defender that comes with Windows 10 has all the features of Microsoft antivirus software security essentials that is capable of providing complete protection from virus, malwares and spywares. If you want any other paid antivirus to be installed in your PC then you need to turn off the windows defender.

How to turn on/off your windows defender?

You can also turn off and on the windows defender if you want. But it is always recommended that not to do so especially if you don’t have any other antivirus software in your system. Even if you turn it off it will automatically get turned on after a period of time. If you want to know how to turn on or off your windows defender then follow the below steps.

#1) Click the windows button in the left bottom of the screen and search for windows defender in the search box. Then select the windows defender

#2) Now select Tools in the menu that is present in the top of the windows defender screen.

#3) Select the options button present in the Tools page

#4) Now select the Real Time Protection that is present in the sidebar. If you want to turn on or off the windows defender then check or uncheck the Use real-time protection checkbox.

Is windows defender enough to protect your PC from virus?

By now many of us might want to know if windows defender alone is enough to protect our computer from any virus or malwares. It depends upon how you use your computer. If you are an average home user and don’t use internet for a long time then windows defender is alone sufficient for protecting your PC. It does a decent protection by scanning your system periodically and updating your softwares. On the other hand if you are a techie working on various software and extensively using the net and doing a lot of financial activities then you must definitely consider buying a full antivirus program or a internet security software because a windows defender can provide only a basic protection whereas your risk of getting attacked by external threats is very high for which you need a advanced protection which can be provided only by a fully packed security software.