How to Configure Windows Defender to Better Protect Yourself

Navigate to “Update and Security” and then to “Windows Defender.” On the right panel, toggle the buttons under “Real-time Protection,” “Cloud-based Protection,” and “Automatic Sample Submission.”

1. How do I make Windows Defender more powerful?
2. How do I set Windows Defender as my default antivirus?
3. Should I turn off Windows Defender if I have antivirus?
4. How do I turn on Real-Time Protection in Windows Defender?
5. Is Windows Defender Any good 2020?
6. Can I use Windows Defender as my only antivirus?
7. How can I tell if Windows Defender is on?
8. Why is my Windows Defender antivirus turned off?
9. Does Windows 10 have built in virus protection?
10. Does disabling Windows Defender improve performance?
11. Can we disable Windows Defender?
12. Does Microsoft Defender slow down PC?

How do I make Windows Defender more powerful?

Increase the Cloud Protection Level

Select Enabled and under the Options section select High blocking level from the drop-down menu and click OK to close out of Group Policy. Note: By selecting the high-level option, it forces Windows Defender to block and scan files more frequently.

How do I set Windows Defender as my default antivirus?

To access these settings, open the Start menu and select Settings. Choose the "Update & security" category and select Windows Defender. By default, Windows Defender automatically enables the real-time protection, cloud-based protection, and sample submission.

Should I turn off Windows Defender if I have antivirus?

As antivirus software, Windows Defender is the first line of defense between you and any malicious software you might stumble upon while browsing the internet or using external storage. Disabling it without proper consideration could be detrimental to your security.

How do I turn on Real-Time Protection in Windows Defender?

Enable Real-Time Protection for Microsoft Defender

1. Open the Windows Security app.
2. Choose Virus and Threat Protection.
3. From "Virus & threat protection settings" choose "manage settings"
4. Ensure “Real-time protection” is set to “On” ...
5. Ensure "Cloud-based Protection" is set to "On"

Is Windows Defender Any good 2020?

In AV-Comparatives' July-October 2020 Real-World Protection Test, Microsoft performed decently with Defender stopping 99.5% of threats, ranking 12th out of 17 antivirus programs (achieving a robust 'advanced+' status).

Can I use Windows Defender as my only antivirus?

Using Windows Defender as a standalone antivirus, while much better than not using any antivirus at all, still leaves you vulnerable to ransomware, spyware, and advanced forms of malware that can leave you devastated in the event of an attack.

How can I tell if Windows Defender is on?

Option 1: In your System tray click on the ^ to expand the running programs. If you see the shield your Windows Defender is running and active.

Why is my Windows Defender antivirus turned off?

If Windows Defender is turned off, this may be because you have another antivirus app installed on your machine (check Control Panel, System and Security, Security and Maintenance to make sure). You should turn off and uninstall this app before running Windows Defender to avoid any software clashes.

Does Windows 10 have built in virus protection?

Windows 10 includes Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows 10. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats.

Does disabling Windows Defender improve performance?

Or when performing certain tasks that Windows Defender may interfere with. You may also want to turn off Windows Defender temporarily to enhance your gaming experience as this will significantly improve your computer`s performance and reduce overhead specially when playing resources-demanding games.

Can we disable Windows Defender?

Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app. Click on Virus & threat protection. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option. Turn off the Real-time protection toggle switch to disable Microsoft Defender temporarily.

Does Microsoft Defender slow down PC?

Another Windows Defender feature that may be responsible for slowing down your system is its Full Scan, which performs a comprehensive check of all files on your computer. ... While it is normal for antivirus programs to consume system resources when running a scan, Windows Defender is far greedier than most.