How to Use Windows Security for Antivirus and Malware Protection

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in security feature available in Windows operating systems. It offers essential protection against viruses, malware, and other security threats. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to effectively use Windows Security to safeguard your computer.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Windows Security
• Updating Windows Security
• Scanning for Threats
• Managing Quarantined Files
• Customizing Windows Security Settings
• Using Windows Security with Other Antivirus Software
• Conclusion

Introduction to Windows Security

Windows Security provides real-time protection by continuously monitoring your computer for potential threats. It includes several security features, such as antivirus, firewall, app and browser control, and device performance and health. To access Windows Security, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. From the start menu, click on the Settings (gear) icon.
3. In the Windows Settings page, select Update & Security.
4. Choose Windows Security from the options on the left.

Updating Windows Security

Regularly updating Windows Security ensures that you have the latest protection against emerging threats. Here's how you can update it:

1. Open Windows Security using the steps mentioned above.
2. In the Windows Security window, click on Virus & threat protection from the left-hand menu.
3. Click on Check for updates to search for available updates.
4. If updates are found, click on Download and install to install them.

Scanning for Threats

Performing regular scans to detect and remove malware is an essential practice for computer security. Windows Security offers various scanning options:

Quick Scan

This scan checks common areas of the computer where threats are most likely to be found. To perform a quick scan, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection on the left-hand menu.
3. Under Quick scan, click Quick scan now.

Full Scan

A full scan examines the entire computer, including system files, documents, and installed programs. To perform a full scan, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Current threats, click on Scan options.
4. Select Full scan, then click Scan now.

Custom Scan

If you want to scan specific folders or drives, you can perform a custom scan. Here's how:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Current threats, click on Scan options.
4. Select Custom scan, click Scan now, and choose the folders or drives you want to scan.

Managing Quarantined Files

When Windows Security detects a threat, it may quarantine the file to prevent it from causing harm. Quarantined files are isolated and no longer pose a risk to your computer. To manage quarantined files:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Current threats, click on Protection history.
4. In the protection history window, you can view the list of detected threats and their actions.
5. If you want to restore a file, select it and click on Restore. If you believe a file was mistakenly identified as a threat, you can choose to exclude it from future scans.

Customizing Windows Security Settings

Windows Security allows you to customize various settings according to your preferences. To access and modify these settings:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on the Settings gear icon in the bottom left corner.
3. In the settings window, you can customize the following options:
   • Virus & threat protection: Configure real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection settings.
   • Firewall & network protection: Customize network firewall settings.
   • App & browser control: Adjust settings related to apps, web browsing, and downloads.
   • Device security: Manage device security settings.
   • Device performance & health: Optimize your device's performance and check its health status.

Using Windows Security with Other Antivirus Software

If you prefer using a third-party antivirus software alongside Windows Security, you have the option to do so. However, it is recommended to use only one antivirus software at a time to avoid conflicts. Windows Security automatically disables itself when it detects another antivirus program.

Conclusion

By following this comprehensive guide, you now have a good understanding of how to use Windows Security for antivirus and malware protection. Regular updates, scanning for threats, managing quarantined files, customizing settings, and considering compatibility with other antivirus software are all crucial steps towards maintaining a secure and protected computer. Stay vigilant and keep your system protected from potential security threats.