Windows Defender
Troubleshooting
FAQ'S
  1. Home
  2. Windows Defender Setup

How to Install Windows Defender?

To install Windows Defender on your computer, follow the guidelines mentioned below.

  • Go to the address bar of your preferred web browser and navigate to any search engine such as Google or Bing.
  • Type the words' Windows Defender' in the address bar and press Enter.
  • Click on the Windows Defender link from the appropriate manufacturer.
  • Click on Download button for your Windows OS version.
  • After the Windows Defender Setup is downloaded to your computer, double-click it.
  • Choose the recommended settings option to complete Windows Driver installation.

How to Turn On Windows Defender?

You can follow the Install Windows Defender guidelines mentioned below to turn on Windows Defender.

  • Go to the 'Start' menu and open the Settings application.
  • Navigate to the Update & Security option and click it. Locate the Windows Security tab on the left and click it.
  • Click on the 'Open Windows Defender' option located on the right.
  • Choose the Virus & threat protection option on the Windows Defender dashboard.
  • Maximize the Windows Defender window by clicking the square on the top-right corner.
  • Click on the Virus & threat protection settings option, and you will see many sliders on the next screen.
  • Click on each of these sliders to enable the corresponding safety features. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt after the activation of each feature.
  • This completes the procedure for turning Windows Defender on.

How to Enable Total Protection In Windows Defender?

Follow these guidelines to enable total protection in Windows Defender.

  • Launch Windows Defender on your computer. To do this, go to the 'Start' menu.
  • Look for Windows Security and click on it.
  • Navigate to the Virus & threat protection option. Click on it.
  • The Manage settings button is located under the Virus & threat protection option. Click on it.
  • Turn on the Real-time protection feature by clicking on the slider beside it. This completes the Windows Defender Setup procedure to enable protection in Windows Defender.

Virus & threat Protection Settings

  • To access the software quickly on your Windows personal computer, create a Windows Defender Security Center shortcut.
  • After launching the Windows Defender Security software, choose the three horizontal lines present on the top-left screen.
  • All the Install Windows Defender sections that are available in the app will get displayed on the screen.
  • Click on the Virus & threat protection option and all the details about the scan processes will be available in the right pane of the window.
  • Select the Virus and threat protection settings and toggle the slider towards the right or left for enabling or disabling the feature.

Steps to enable Cloud Delivered Protection

  • For allowing the Cloud Delivered Protection in the Windows Defender software, the Windows Security application must be opened on your computer.
  • Else, click on the Windows Security shortcut from the Main window. Tap the Virus & threat protection option.
  • Scroll down the screen until you locate the Virus & Threat Protection Settings section.
  • Click on the Manage Settings link and then select the Cloud Delivered Protection.
  • In the Windows Defender software, the Cloud Delivered Protection feature is enabled by default.
  • If the Cloud Delivered Protection option is disabled then toggle the switch to the On state.

Steps to enable Real-Time Protection

  • Enable the Real Time Protection feature in the Windows Defender Security Center tool: The Windows Defender Security Center must be launched on your personal computer.
  • Select the Virus & Threat Protection option and choose the Manage Settings link that is available under the Virus & Threat Protection Settings tab.
  • Now, turn on the Real Time Protection option and when instructed by UAC, tap the Yes button.
  • If needed, exit the Windows Defender Security Center app.

How to Enable Windows Defender Parental Control?

  • Open the Control Panel dialog box from the Start tab on your Windows system.
  • Click on the Parental Controls option in the User Account and Family Safety tab.
  • Choose the user account to which you wish to restrict the access. Now the Parental Controls dialog box will display on the system.
  • Click the switch to the On state for enabling the Windows Defender Parental Control option.
  • Use the Web Windows Defender Setup Filtering option for setting what tie of things your child must visit on the web pages.
  • Select whether you wish to download the files and then click on the OK button.
  • If required, users can add restrictions on games, particular programs, and more.
  • After adding the restrictions, select the OK option. Click OK again for exiting the Parental Controls dialog window.

How to add child to your Account?

  • Bring the Search window on your computer by tapping the Windows and Q keys that are present on your keyboard.
  • Search for Install Windows Defender and then select it from the results on your desktop.
  • The Family Options will be available in the Dashboard; choose it.
  • You can add new family members from the Microsoft web page.
  • Select the View Family Settings option and then log into the Microsoft site.
  • Select the Add a family member option and then select the Add a Child button.
  • Provide a mobile phone number or email ID for your designated Microsoft account.
  • Choose the Next option, and now your Child account will display in the Dashboard.

How to Modify Child Access on Windows defender?

  • Once you add your child’s profile on Windows Security Center, you can modify the restrictions any time.
  • First, select the child you want to apply the restrictions to.
  • To set certain hours and a time limit for which you wish your child wants to use the device, proceed with the next step.
  • Click the Screen time option to set specific hours during a day.
  • Press “Set limits for when my child can use devices" to set the time limit.

To configure website block, follow the steps below.

  • Click the Web Browsing option, and select the Block inappropriate websites option to block irrelevant websites.
  • To manually block the websites, select the website link, and enter the link to block the website.

To block inappropriate apps and games, follow the steps below.

  • Go to Microsoft account.
  • Click the Apps, games & media option.
  • Select the Block inappropriate apps and games to block them.
  • To set the appropriate age level, click the Limit apps and games option.

How to hide Family Options in Windows defender?

Follow the Install Windows Defender steps to hide family options in Windows Defender using local group policy editor.

  • Launch the Local group policy editor.
  • Select the Family Option from the list on the left side of the screen.
  • Double-click the Hide the family options area option.
  • A new screen will appear.
  • Select the Enable option from the list, and click the OK icon at the bottom of the screen. Close the application.
  • Follow the steps to hide family options in Windows Defender Setup using a REG file.
  • Download Hide Family reg. file. Make sure to save it as a .reg file in your desktop.
  • Double-click the downloaded file, select the Run option, and click the Yes option followed by OK to confirm the merge.
  • Restart your computer, and you can remove the downloaded reg.file.

How to configure Windows Defender Parental Control?

Follow the instructions below to configure Windows Defender Parental Control.

  • Go to search bar on your computer. Enter Windows Defender Settings and open the application.
  • Select the Open Windows Defender Security Center option.
  • Click “Family Options” to open the Windows Defender Family Option screen.
  • Select the View Family Settings option.
  • Log into your Microsoft website and click the Add a Family Member option to add your child’s profile.
  • Enter your email or phone number for Microsoft account and click the Next option to open the family dashboard.

How to scan and detect Viruses in Windows Defender?

Follow the instructions provided below to scan and detect viruses in Windows Defender.

  • Go to search bar on your computer. Enter Windows Defender Settings and open the application.
  • Select the Open Windows Defender Security Center option.
  • Choose Virus & Threat Protection option from the list.
  • Click the Scan option to start scanning and wait for a few seconds to complete the scanning.
  • Once you are done with the scanning, select the Virus & Threat Protection Updates from the menu.
  • Read the information about threat definition version and click Update option to check for update.

How to create Windows Defender Custom Scan?

To perform custom scan on Windows Defender, follow the Install Windows Defender instructions below.

  • Right-click on the home screen of the computer and click the Personalize option from the menu list displayed.
  • A Settings screen will appear, press the Home option.
  • Now, the Windows Settings screen will open.
  • Select the Update & Security option from the list displayed.
  • On the left side of the screen, press the Windows Defender option from the list.
  • Click the Open Windows Defender tab.
  • Choose the Custom option from the scan settings and click the Scan Now tab.
  • Choose the driver or folder where you want to perform a custom scan, and Click the OK to confirm scanning.
  • Wait for the scanning to complete, and close the screen.

How to Schedule the Scan operation in Windows Defender?

To schedule a scan in Windows Defender, perform the procedures given below.

  • Open the Task Schedule window on your Windows system.
  • To open the Task Scheduler window, click the Start menu, and type the Task Scheduler keyword.
  • Click the Enter button. Now the Task Scheduler window will open.
  • Click the Task Scheduler option and select Task Scheduler Library.
  • Select Microsoft Windows Windows Defender.
  • You will see the Windows Defender Scheduled Scan option in the Windows Defender section.
  • Select and right-click the Windows Defender Scheduled Scan option and click Properties.
  • Click the Triggers tab on the Windows Defender Scheduled Scan Properties screen.
  • Click the New button. Select the scan schedule period, start & end time, and other options in the pop-up menu.
  • Make sure to checkmark the box next to the Enabled option.
  • Click the OK button. Now the schedule a scan in Windows Defender feature is enabled successfully.

How to Scan USB Using Windows Defender?

To scan your USB device using the Windows Defender application, follow the Install Windows Defender instructions given below.

  • Launch the Windows Defender application on your system.
  • Click the Settings tab and select the Advanced option.
  • Click the checkbox next to the ‘Scan removable devices Including removable drives, such as USB’ option.
  • Click the Save Changes button.

How to Delete Conflicting Registry Entry?

  • To delete the Conflicting Registry Entry, perform the Windows Defender Setup steps given below.
  • Open the Run command and type the regedit keyword in the given field.
  • Click the OK button. Now the registry editor field will open.
  • Select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\ Image File Execution Options.
  • Search for MSASCui.exe, MpCmdRun.exe, and MsMpEng.exe and select & right-click on it.
  • Select the Delete option in the menu list.
  • Now the Conflicting registry entry is deleted successfully.

How to Configure Microsoft Cloud App Security In Windows Defender?

  • To configure the Microsoft Cloud app security in Windows Defender, perform the instructions given below.
  • Open the Windows Defender application on your system.
  • Select the Preferences Setup option followed by Advanced.
  • Select the Microsoft Cloud App Security option from the menu list and click the toggle button to enable it.
  • Click the Save button to confirm the same.

How to Configure And Manage Microsoft Threat Experts Capabilities?

  • To configure and manage the Microsoft Threat Experts capabilities, follow the Install Windows Defender instructions given below.
  • Open the Windows Defender application on your system.
  • Select the Threat management tab and click the Policy option.
  • Now six additional ATP options will be displayed at the left panel of the screen.
  • Select the option you wish to configure and manage.
  • Make changes as per your need and click the OK button.

How to Enable And Configure Windows Defender Firewall & Network Protection?

  • Go to Start button and choose the Settings option on your computer.
  • Select the Update & Security option followed by the Windows Security option.
  • Click on the Firewall & Network Protection option.
  • Choose the Allow an App through Firewall option and select the app that you want to allow.
  • Tap OK to save the settings.

Steps To Exclude Certain File Or Folder's From Scan In Windows Defender

  • First, launch the Windows Defender Security Center on your system.
  • Select the Virus & Threat Protection option and then choose the Virus & Protection Settings option.
  • Go to the Exclusions section and tap the Add or Remove Exclusions option.
  • Click on the Add an Exclusion option. You can exclude files, folders, file types, and process.
  • Read the prompts and follow Install Windows Defender to exclude particular files.

How to Enable App Or Browser Control In Windows 10?

  • Follow the Windows Defender Setup instructions given below to enable App or Browser control in Windows 10.
  • Open the Windows Security on your computer. Select the App & Browser Control option from the left panel of the window.
  • There will be three sections on the next window. You have to configure all the three to enable App & Browser control.
  • Check Apps and Files: This protects your computer from unwanted virus and attacks. You can set it to Block or Warn.
  • SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge: SmartScreen provides protection for your computer from malicious downloads and sites. Make use of the Block or Warn option to enable it.
  • SmartScreen for Microsoft Store Apps: It checks the web content for any virus. Set it to Warn.

How to Manage Quarantine Files In Windows Defender?

  • You can remove unwanted files from quarantine using the steps stated below.
  • Launch the Windows Security app. It will be available on the desktop.
  • Navigate to the Virus & Threat Protection menu and select the Scan History option.
  • Click the Quarantined Items option followed by the See Full History option.
  • Choose the quarantined items that you want to delete and tap the Remove button.
  • If you want to add items to it, then make use of the Allowed Threats option, and add files you want.

How to Restore a Quarantine File In Windows Defender?

  • Initially, launch the Windows Defender Security Center from the system tray.
  • Click the Virus & Threat Protection option and select the Scan History option.
  • Search for the Quarantined Items option and choose it. Tap the See Full History option.
  • Find the Install Windows Defender file you wish to restore and click the Restore button.

How to Remove Quarantined Files From Windows Defender?

You can follow these guidelines to remove quarantined files in Windows Defender.

  • Open Windows Defender on your computer. Select the Start button.
  • Choose the All apps option and then click on Windows System. Click on Windows Defender.
  • On the Windows Defender dashboard, look for Virus & threat protection and click it.
  • Find the Scan History button and select it. On the next screen, you can see the Quarantined items option. Click on it and then select See Full History.
  • Select the quarantined files to be deleted and then click the Remove button.

How to Turn Off Windows Defender?

Follow these Install Windows Defender guidelines to turn off Windows Defender on your computer.

  • Click the Start button on your computer which is found on the bottom left corner of the desktop screen.
  • Type control panel. Control Panel will be displayed in the results with a screen icon beside it. Click it.
  • Go to the search bar on the Control Panel and type win.
  • Windows Defender Setup will be displayed on the screen. Click on it.
  • Choose the Virus & threat protection option. Then, select Virus & threat protection settings.
  • Click on the slider beside Real-Time Scanning. The slider moves to the OFF position after you select Yes on the popup window.

 How to Temporarily Disable Windows Defender?

Follow these guidelines to disable Windows Defender on your computer temporarily.

  • Click on Settings and then choose Update & Security.
  • Choose Windows Security and then click Virus & threat protection.
  • The next option to click is Manage settings for some versions and Virus & threat protection settings for other versions of Windows.
  • Click the slider beside Real-time protection. A security prompt appears on the screen. Click Yes.
  • Windows Defender has now been temporarily disabled and will be re-enabled during the next startup.

How to Update Windows Defender?

You need to update Windows Defender to allow Windows Defender to update its virus definition database which helps to stop new viruses from attacking your computer. To update Windows Defender on your computer, follow these Install Windows Defender guidelines.

  • In the search field of Start, type windows defender.
  • Click on the Windows Defender search result with the shield icon.
  • Windows Defender is now open on your computer. Click on the Update tab.
  • Click the Update Definitions button. Now, Windows Defender's virus definitions will be updated.
  • After the Windows Defender definitions are updated, Up to date is displayed in green beside Virus definitions.

How to reset windows defender settings?   

  • Reset the Windows Defender settings from the Control Panel: Open the Control Panel pop-up window and then click on the Windows Firewall button.
  • Select the Restore Defaults link that is available on the left side of your personal computer screen
  • Now, tap the Restore Defaults button and select the Yes option for confirming the process.
  • Restore the Windows Defender settings in Windows Security: Open the Windows Security app, and select the Firewall and Network Protection icon.
  • Choose the Restore to Firewall to Defaults link and click on the Restore Defaults option.
  • To start the process, select the Yes button and then exit the Windows Security and Windows Firewall control panel box.

How to Uninstall Windows Defender?

  • The Windows Defender software is available on the personal computer.
  • Hence, the app cannot be uninstalled from your system. However, you can disable the Windows Defender application on your Windows desktop.
  • The steps for turning Off the Windows Defender software permanently are as follows.
  • First, tap the Windows and the R keys found on the keyboard; this will open on the Run dialog window on your personal computer.
  • Mention gpedit.msc and press the Enter button. Confirm the process which is stated by the UAC window.
  • Now the Windows Group and Policy Editor box will display on the screen.
  • Go to the Local Computer Policy section, choose the Administrative Policy option and then select Windows Components.
  • Select the Windows Defender option and then disable the same.
  • Double-click on the Turn Off Windows Defender Policy option and set the status to enabled, and then click the OK button.
Install Windows Defender

Troubleshooting

The error message that occurs in the Windows Defender Security software displays on your computer screen. The quick solutions for rectifying the Windows Defender software issues are provided right here on our web page.

How to fix "This app is turned off by Group Policy" Error Message?

  • Fix the issue using the Group Policy window: Tap the Windows and R buttons on the keyboard for opening the Run pop-up box on your personal computer.
  • In the address field, enter gpedit.msc and then press the Enter key.
  • Go to the Computer Configuration window in the Local Group Policy Editor dialog box.
  • Choose the Administrative Templates option, click on the Windows Defender Setup Components button and then select Windows Defender.
  • Find the Turn Off Windows Defender option from the left side of the screen and then double-click on it for changing the settings.
  • For turning On the Windows Defender option, click on the Disabled button and then choose the OK option.
  • Reboot your Windows system and then check whether the group policy error message is resolved.
  • Resolve the error through the Registry Editor window: Launch the Run pop-up box on your Windows desktop.
  • Enter regedit in the address box, and then the Enter button on your keyboard must be pressed.
  • The Registry Editor dialog box will appear on your personal computer screen.
  • Go to the Windows Defender section from the left side of the Registry Editor box.
  • Right-click on the Disable AntiSpyware option available on the right side of the screen and then choose the Delete button.
  • Exit the Registry Editor pop-up box and reboot your Windows personal system, and verify if the error is fixed.

Why is my Windows Defender Turned Off?

Windows Defender Setup
  • If the Windows Defender application is turned Off unexpectedly, then it means you have installed it on your Windows system.
  • To turn on the Windows Defender application on your system, follow the Install Windows Defender instructions given below.
  • First, launch the Windows Defender on your system.
  • Click the Settings tab or gear icon on the main screen of the Windows Defender screen.
  • Now, disable the Real-time protection option by clicking it.
  • The Windows Defender application is enabled successfully.

Unable To Start Windows Defender Program

  • Check the following conditions given below to fix the unable to start the Windows Defender program on your system.
  • Check & make sure that the time and date in the Windows system are set correctly.
  • Try to turn off and on the Windows Defender Program.
  • If you have installed another antivirus application on your system, then try to remove or delete it from your Windows.
  • Check and make sure that the Windows software is up-to-date.
  • This issue may also occur due to the incorrect Zone settings in Internet Explorer.
  • To fix the incorrect Zone Settings issue, you can reset the Internet Explorer completely.
  • If you are unable to update the Windows Defender Setup using a Proxy server, then open the Command Prompt wizard on your system.
  • Type NETSH WINHTTP SET PROXY 1.1.1.1:8000.
  • Otherwise, type NETSH WINHTTP SET PROXY MYPROXY.NET:8000 in the command prompt filed and click the OK button.
  • Reboot the system completely and check if the issue is resolved.

Why Doesn t Windows Defender Update Automatically?

  • If you try to update the Windows Defender manually, then there is a chance for this issue to occur. To fix this issue, follow the troubleshooting instructions given below.
  • Check your system files using the System File Checker tool.
  • Perform a clean Install Windows Defender process on your system.
  • Reboot the Security Center Service application on your system.
  • Try to update the Windows Defender application manually for one more time.
  • Disable the .NET Framework feature on your system.
  • Check if there any update available for your Windows Defender application.
  • Set the Windows Update Components to default.

Windows Defender Says "Service Has Stopped" When It Is Launched

  • The first solution is to disable the third party anti-malware on your system.
  • If there is an internal error, then this problem might occur.
  • Go to the taskbar’s search box and key in services.msc. Press the Enter button.
  • Check the status of the:
  • Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service
  • Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service
  • Windows Defender Antivirus Service
  • Windows Defender Security Center Service
  • Verify if the Startup type is selected as Automatic. If not, set it to Automatic and tap the Start button. Choose the Apply button to save the modified settings.
  • The next solution is to re-register the Defender DLL files using the Command prompt.
  • Next, check the Group Policy Editor Settings. Turn it on if it is disabled.

Windows Defender Takes a Long Time To Perform a Full Scan

  • Check if there any windows update that has to be installed.
  • Click the Control Panel option in the Windows menu and then choose the System and Security option.
  • Click the Install Windows Defender Updates option and tap the Check for Updates button.
  • Wait till the scan process is complete and check if the Recommended Updates or the Optional Updates option is displayed.
  • Choose the Important Updates option and then click the Install every Important Update found option.
  • Once the update process is over, you have to restart the computer.
  • The full scan time is based on several factors such as disk size, hard drive size, malware interference, and more.
  • If you want to reduce the time spent on a full scan, you have to clean the temp files from your system.
  • In case you have installed any real-time protection tools, then disable it.

FAQ's

Can Windows Defender Detect Keyloggers?

  • Yes, Windows Defender can detect keyloggers easily. It is installed by default in the newer versions of Windows.
  • If you have an older version, then you can download it from the official site.
  • To identify keyloggers, you have to perform a full scan using your Windows Defender Setup.
  • Launch the security software on your system and select the Virus & threat Protection menu.
  • Tap the Advanced Scan option available in the next page and then click on the Full scan option to identify keyloggers.

Do i Need Another Antivirus With Windows Defender?

It is based on the usage of the computer. If your system is being used at your home, the Install Windows Defender will be more than enough. But, if you are connecting your laptop to public networks and servers, then an antivirus protection program will protect the system with high security. Windows Defender has better performance now, and it can efficiently detect viruses, malware, spyware present in the system, Email, cloud, and other websites. You can also carry out a full scan to effectively identify the threats.

Does windows defender protect against ransomware?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware using Windows Defender. Just do the steps below.

  • Choose Update & Security after opening Settings.
  • Choose Windows Defender tab on the left.
  • Now, select Open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Select Virus & threat protection settings.
  • Choose Controlled folder access and look for the slider.
  • Move the slider to create a list of protected files.
  • You can review the default folders or add a protected folder if required, do so by selecting Protected folders.
  • Select the option Allow an app through Controlled Folder access if the software blocks a trusted application.

FAQ's

Where do i find windows defender on my computer?

  • Locating Windows Defender is very easy.
  • If you are a Windows 10 user, Choose StartAll Apps Windows system Windows Defender.
  • Another simple way to open the application is by doing the below Install Windows Defender step.
  • Select Start and Enter Windows Defender in the search bar.
  • Now, click the application.
  • However, if you are using an operating system launched before Windows 7, you will not find the application.

Why is Windows Defender using so much CPU?

  • In general, Windows Defender does not use much of the CPU even while in operation.
  • The application allows you to work on your computer while a virus scan is in progress.
  • If the software is using much of your CPU, then your computer speed becomes slow.
  • Try closing the other applications and letting the scan run on your computer.
  • If this doesn’t work, you need to restart your system and check again.

Does malwarebytes conflict with Windows Defender?

  • Malwarebytes will not conflict with Windows Defender.
  • This is because this software is designed as an add-on for Windows Defender.
  • Malwarebytes will act as additional Windows Defender Setup protection for your computer apart from Windows Defender.
  • Toggle the Install Windows Defender settings for the antivirus software and make sure nothing interrupts with Windows defender’s operation.