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About Windows Defender for Windows 8Windows Defender for Windows 8 is a full antivirus program (unlike previous versions) that provides real-time protection and postinfection scanning and removal. Defender provides protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software and comes installed with all versions of Windows 8. Back to top About Windows Defender for Windows 7, Vista, and XPWindows Defender is an antispyware program for Windows that provides real-time protection and postinfection scanning and removal. Windows Defender succeeds Windows Antispyware, and is one of several competing packages from various vendors that protect against spyware and adware (generally lumped together and called "malware"). Windows Defender is part of Windows 7 and Vista, and is available free of charge for currently licensed copies of Windows XP. This program is unique because to develop its software definitions, it uses a "voting network", which Microsoft describes as: "... a worldwide network of users who help discover and report new threats. Microsoft analysts review these reports and develop new software definitions to guard against the new threats, so that everyone is better protected." Back to top Installing Windows Defender for Windows 7, Vista, or XPTo install Windows Defender:
Back to top Scanning with Windows DefenderYou have three options for scanning your computer with Windows Defender:
Note: To cancel a scan at any time, click the Stop Scan button next to the Progress Meter. Back to top Scheduling scansWindows Defender gives you the flexibility to schedule automatic scans for spyware at daily or weekly intervals. By default, it will run a quick scan every morning. To adjust the automatic scanning options:
Back to top Using real-time protectionReal-time protection in Windows Defender is enabled by default. This ensures your computer is constantly monitored against threats as you browse the web. Is Windows Defender available for XP?Windows Defender is an antispyware program from Microsoft that helps protect you from spyware, pop-up windows, and other unwanted software. It's free to download for Windows XP users and it comes with Windows Vista.
How do I turn on Windows Defender in XP?To modify the real-time protection settings in Windows 7, Vista, and XP, take the following steps:. Click the Tools icon.. Select Options.. Scroll down to Real-time protection options.. Either enable or disable real-time protection with the Use real-time protection (recommended) option.. Can I manually install Windows Defender?You can install Windows Defender manually in two ways: Standard method. Using Windows PowerShell.
How do I manually download Windows Defender?Go to the Microsoft security intelligence updates page and scroll to find the Manually download the update section. Select the appropriate 32-bit or 64-bit version of the Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 update files.
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