How to turn on Windows Defender is a pretty common and most asked question among Windows users. We say that because Windows constantly reminds users to turn on Windows Defender for security reasons. There are other meaningful reasons as well for turning on the Defender.
You are keen to turn on the Windows Defender feature because you may have concerns about your data. You must have recently known about the Windows Defender and are in dire need to protect your system from Ransomware and other unknown but harmful viruses.
The Windows Defender was introduced since the arrival of Windows Vista and continues its legacy in the new Windows 10 operating system. A feature is an in-built software from Microsoft for Windows that protects users from any unfortunate malware attacks. This is the main and most crucial reason that you need to know on How to turn on Windows Defender.
The Defender feature on Windows by default gets turned off when you install third-party protection software. Even though many people have the feasibility of using Windows Defender for free, some of the users tend to use a paid-third party security application. Let’s jump right away to how to turn on Windows Defender.
How to Turn on Windows Defender on Windows 10
Firstly, you need to know whether the Windows Defender is actually turned on or not on your system and then you can proceed to How to turn on Windows defender. You need to check your notifications or hidden icons in the taskbar to check whether the Windows Defender is working.
If there are notifications that show you the prompt to turn on the Defender feature for protection; then you can proceed with the below steps on How to Turn on Windows Defender.
- Open Start Menu and head over to the Settings menu of Windows.
- In the Setting’s Menu, select the Update & Security options.
- Now, in the Update & Security menu, click on the Windows Security option.
- Click on the Virus & Threat Protection option from the list of menus.
- Now click on the Manage settings option under Virus & Threat Protection.
- Turn the toggle on for the Real-Time Protection option which is placed first in the list.
In this manner, you can follow these steps and know about how to turn on Windows Defender security features on your PC. In previous versions of Windows, the Defender is known as a firewall. In Windows 10, both firewall and Defender work hand-in-hand for rigid protection. Microsoft calls it the Windows Defender Firewall, which protects you from malware on the network.
Uninstalling the Third-Party Malware Removal Application
Although you have followed the steps on how to turn on Windows Defender, the third-party protection applications that you installed previously are still present and running on your system.
There are some instances where having both Defender and other malware protection packages; will give hiccups now and then on your system.
Uninstalling the other software and letting Windows Defender run alone is the best option for a faster and better experience on your PC.
- Open Start and search for Add or Remove Programs settings
or Go to Control Panel and under the Programs section, click on Uninstall a Program option. - Now, search for the application you need to uninstall in the list of programs.
- Choose the application and click on the Uninstall option from the given options.
- Restart your PC to fully complete the uninstallation process.
This way, you can uninstall the malware software that you have installed on your PC for protection from harmful viruses. Although, if you have bought a premium version of malware protection and want to continue using the subscribed application from third-party entities. You can continue using that Anti-virus software by turning off the Windows Defender on your PC.
How to Turn off Windows Defender on Windows 7, 8, and Windows 10
You must have bought a year subscription or any other premium package that third-party providers for Malware protection software sell you. Moreover, using both Windows Defender and other Malware protection arise issues.
It’s better to stick with a single protector that keeps you away from trojans and malware on your PC. Let’s check out the steps for turning off Windows Defender if you want to use a different software other than Microsoft’s protection.
Turn off Windows Defender on Windows 7 and 8, 8.1
- Click on Start Menu and search for Defender and select the program from the search list.
- Now, head over to the Defender Tools menu and click on Options.
- In the left-hand side menu, select the Administrator option.
- At last, untick the box for Use this program and this turns off the Windows Defender.
How to Turn off Windows Defender on Windows 10
- Open Start Menu and head over to the Settings menu of Windows.
- In the Setting’s Menu, select the Update & Security options.
- Now, in the Update & Security menu, click on the Windows Security option.
- Click on the Virus & Threat Protection option from the list of menus.
- Turn the toggle off the Real-Time Protection option which is placed first in the list.
Use Windows Defender Instead of Other Antivirus/Malware Protectors
Using Microsoft’s pre-loaded security and protection software is the best bet than relying on third-party applications. Yes, there were times that Windows Defender wasn’t good enough that many users have switched to other applications that protected the Windows from harmful viruses. The new updates from Microsoft have made a huge impact on the Windows Defender feature on the Windows operating system.
Apart from offline protection, the defender has additional options such as Cloud-Delivered Protection and Tamper Protection that help to avoid threats. The application is well optimized and recognizes threats faster than other applications. Hope you have liked this article on How to Turn on Windows Defender on your PC. If you have an even easier method on How to turn on Windows defender, please comment down below.
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