Windows Defender, now rebranded as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a free antivirus application developed by Microsoft.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus the default antivirus option for Windows 10, and it'due south always a practiced idea to enable it due to the protection it provides.

Unsure if it's switched on? Read on to larn how to switch Microsoft Defender Antivirus on.

How to Turn On Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10

There are indeed situations where you might have to turn off Microsoft Defender, such equally when you are looking to optimize your computer's performance or peradventure install a third-party antivirus suite.

Just on average, it's far amend to accept your Microsoft Defender enabled. It's super easy, as well.

So, to get started with turning on Microsoft Defender, follow the steps below:

  1. Type windows security in the Offset carte search bar and select the Best Lucifer.
  2. From there, openVirus & threat protection.
  3. Under the Virus & threat protection settings, click on theManagesettingsoption.
  4. At present toggle on the C loud-delivered protection and Real-time protection.
virus and threat protection settings

And that's it. This will turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

If you are already using an alternative antivirus, however, you might face a slight upshot. It might have greyed out theExistent-time protectionsetting, leaving you unable to switch Microsoft Defender on properly.

In this case, you lot'll have to uninstall your 3rd-party antivirus app. After you do that, repeat the higher up steps to enable Microsoft Defender Antivirus over again.

Try to leave equally little fourth dimension betwixt uninstalling your third-party antivirus suite and enabling Microsft Defender, every bit your computer will be momentarily vulnerable.

Update Microsoft Defender Antivirus Definition

Another handy thing to learn is how to update the virus definitions for Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Updating antivirus definitions means your antivirus scans are up to date and will grab as much malware as possible, keeping your system safe.

microsoft defender antivirus update definitions
  1. Type windows security in the Start menu search bar and select the Best Match.
  2. From there, open Virus & threat protection.
  3. Under the Virus & threat protection updates settings, selectCheck for updates.
  4. On the next screen, hitBank check for updatesagain and let the procedure complete.

Turning On Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Microsoft Defender is a costless tool that offers solid protection from online security threats. Information technology took a bashing for several years, with many security researchers advising Windows 10 users to download alternative tools.

However, Microsoft Defender Antivirus now has a good reputation for protection. Not the best, just plenty good for near people.