
You can also get latest definitions by clicking "Update" button in Update tab.Ĭheck history of detected malicious programs on your computer

Windows update regularly auto-updates these definitions in background. Update tab in Windows Defender app shows latest information about virus definitions on your computer like last updated date and time and definition versions. Select "Custom scan" check box, and click on "Scan now" button to open dialog where you can select drives, folders or files to scan.

In "Scan options" section, select type of scan that you want, and click on "Scan now" button. You can manually start virus/malware scan on your computer by using "Scan now" button on Home screen in Windows Defender. Home tab will show important information like status of real-time protection on your computer, virus and spyware definition update status, and date of last scan. This will open Windows Defender App where you can see current virus protection status for your computer, update definitions and perform scans. However, there are still some cases where some users may prefer not to use Windows Defender Antivirus, such as on a kiosk device that isn't connected to a network and where peripheral connectivity isn't allowed.įull story from the WindowsCentral blog.Type "Windows Defender" in cortana search box and click on "Windows Defender" in search results.

Perhaps the obvious reason is that Microsoft doesn't want you to use your device without any protection, which is a good thing. It's a security software package meant to provide the first line of defense to protect your device and data against malware, including viruses, ransomware, rootkits, spyware, and other types of malicious programs.Īlthough the antivirus runs automatically, and it can disable itself as you install a third-party security software, the only caveat is that Windows 10 doesn't offer a way to disable it permanently. Windows Defender Antivirus is the free malware solution that Microsoft includes on every installation of Windows 10.

If you must permanently disable Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10, use this guide to learn the steps on how to do it.
