Once activated, real-time protection runs a virus check on all files and applications that are downloaded, opened or started. One of the most helpful features is Windows Defender’s real-time protection. Custom security settings can be configured thanks to the personalization options, and children and youth safety options can also be set up as necessary. Microsoft’s antivirus software is free to use.īy turning on Windows Defender, you can benefit from a range of practical features. From the very first time you switch on your Windows PC, you can count on Defender’s extensive protection. Defender comes pre-installed and activated on Windows 10. Here's how to do it.Windows Defender is Microsoft’s free protection solution against all virtual threats from malware, spyware, ransomware to Trojan horses, viruses, and phishing tools. While we recommend you have the SmartScreen filter turned on all the time, you can disable it easily from the Windows Security settings. However, some experienced users may find the feature annoying as it can even block safe apps requiring additional steps to run the setup. SmartScreen is enabled by default on all the Windows OS running systems. When enabled, it helps protect your computer against malicious and phishing sites and block downloads. SmartScreen is also part of Microsoft Edge's security settings.

It can also protect you from Microsoft Store and third-party sourced apps that are low on reputation and known to cause unexpected behavior. You can configure it to block apps and files by checking unrecognized apps and files from the web. When a match is found, it blocks the download or site access and warns the user about the action taken. When enabled, SmartScreen screens your downloads against known suspicious sites and developers.

SmartScreen relies on reputation-based protection to protect your device from malicious or potentially unwanted apps and websites.

How Does Windows SmartScreen Filter Work?

How to enable microsoft defender