Default, It is the most popular operating system around the world. and because of that, it is used by billions of users. Taking into account that its predominance has been so notable in the world of computing that most programs have been developed with this system in mind.
For his part, windows It also stands out for providing different native applications to its users, among which are: internet explorer like web browser, Windows Media Player and a security program called Windows Defender. The latter has been included due to the existence of numerous threats of .
Therefore, said OS has its own security system to guarantee protection to its users in real time. Thus, a fast and efficient tool that is worth getting to know in depth, so here we will explain what it is about, what are its functions, its pros and cons, as well as how you can activate and deactivate it.
What is Windows Defender and what is this Microsoft program for?
Basically, it’s about a security software which has been designed for virus detection and therefore has antivirus and antispyware functions. In such a way, it consists of a tool that serves to protect and supervise the locations of the system, actively.
Thus, its main purpose is to prevent, remove and/or quarantine any threats, spyware or ransonware present in Microsoft Windows. So, it is used, specifically, to detect this type of threats in real time and thus, monitor the optimal functioning of the system and the equipment in real time.
For his part, Windows Defender is a program that by default, it is pre-installed and enabled on Windows Vista, W7, W8, W8.1 and W10. Consequently, this software is completely free and thanks to the fact that there is no paid version, fortunately, does not issue unnecessary pop-up ads.
In that sense, although it is not a completely infallible tool, It is considered sufficient for a normal use of the computer. That is to say, it is recommended to access blogs, social networking platforms, make online purchases in secure portals, download content from reliable sources, etc.
What are all the tools that we can find in Windows Defender?
Generally speaking, this security program windows Its main function is analyze capabilities similar to other free products on the market. For this, it has a certain number of security agents who patrol various common areas of the system in order to, be aware of any changes caused by a virus or spyware. It is also software that has the ability to remove ActiveX applications installed in Internet Explorereasily.
Added to that, is supported by Microsoft’s SpyNet network, with which, the users themselves will be able to inform the company of possible spyware attacks. However, in order to carry out this management, provide optimal protection to its users and have a good operation, Windows Defender relies on certain tools with which it can operate correctly.
Next, we specify which are the main ones:
- Virus and Threat Protection: It consists of the main window of the program and from there, the main options will be broken down based on threat management.
- Firewall and network protection: This is the firewall of windows and represents those networks available on the equipment and the configuration options for allow applications to run and configure notifications.
- Application and browser control: With this utility, the program can analyze, in real time, each and every one of the applications that you download and try to install on your computer. Thus, it works as a security filter.
- device security: It is a tool that offers the possibility of configuring protection for physical elements so that viruses do not stay there. Like, for example, in memory RAM.
- threat history: By means of this option, users will be able to observe all the threats that the antivirus of windows has located. Thus, it offers the comfort of restore files to their original place and in case you find a threat that is not really a virus, you can allow its access.
- Protection against ransomware: As its name indicates, it is in charge of implement a safeguard against ransomware-type viruses. Which can hijack your computer to demand the payment of an economic amount in order to unlock it.
- Integration with Internet Explorer: Thanks to this tool, it allows you to analyze the files when they are downloaded, in order to make sure they are not malicious software. Therefore, it is similar to real-time scanners.
Advantages and disadvantages Is it convenient to have Microsoft antivirus activated?
In view of that Windows Defender is a utility that protects the system from any threat, prevents the loss of your files and helps keep useful functions of the computer active, of course it reveals certain advantages that it is necessary to know. However, it also contains some peculiarities for which it is not recommended to use itwhich translate into disadvantages.
In this sense, we proceed to point out the most important reasons why you should activate this Windows antivirus and use it constantly:
- Unlike many solutions available on the market, it is a completely free program even when its operation is similar to that of other renowned antivirus found on the market.
- Windows Defender does not show pop-up ads and therefore, it reveals an optimal user experience.
- It is considered a tool that offers excellent performance. Which means, it doesn’t consume much memory RAM of the machine and does not slow down when accessing popular websites, downloading heavy programs or running software.
- Guarantees protection in the cloud and in real timeBecause of this, each user can be fully protected while browsing the Internet. Even if there are risks, you will receive alerts at the right time.
- Many antiviruses are designed for advanced users and therefore reveal complications when using them. But this does not happen with Windows Defenderas It is easy to use and very easy to read..
- Has the ability to perform really fast analysissimply by using the caching technology of the operating system.
- In addition to offering optimal analysis, it allows you to specify which areas of the system you want to scan.
- Manages to monitor all activities such as alerts and removal or installation of new definitions, thanks to the event log you have.
However, as we indicated before, Windows Defender it is not an infallible tool at all and, therefore, it presents some disadvantages or cons that it is also necessary to know.
Here we point out the most relevant of all:
- It is considered an ideal program for basic users. Since, if you navigate in potentially dangerous websitesdownload files on insecure sites or use P2P applications, does not reveal correct operation.
- It is almost impossible to uninstall this program from a PC. Which, is a ridiculous feature for those users who want to disable the program entirely to install a paid antivirus or simply because you do not like its operation, for example.
- At times, you can issue certain delays in terms of reliability and power.
Steps to activate and deactivate Windows Defender antivirus easily and quickly
Even though this antivirus from windows cannot be uninstalled from computers, the truth is that, if it allows its activation or deactivation by each user, according to their preferences.
Luckily, it is very simple and quick to do it, here we show you what these procedures consist of step by step:
Activate
In the event that this software pre-installed on windowsis not enabled by default or has been temporarily disabled before, you need to know how you can enable it.
Therefore, first of all, we explain what you must do to enable Windows Defender without further complication:
- Initially, click the button Home desktoplocated in the lower left corner and click on the gear icon belonging to the Settings menu.
- Following that, among all the available options, proceed to select the one that says “Update and security”.
- Next, it’s time to access “Windows Defender” or “Windows Security” to proceed to activate the switch that indicates “Real-time protection”. While, the other two options are not mandatory.
But, in case those switches are grayed out and cannot be changed, you will have to proceed in another way to enable this Windows tool.
Thus, the process consists of:
- Access the Start menu of the device and in the search bar, enter and select the term “Run”.
- Now, in the space shown in the lower right corner of the panel, type “regedit”press the Enter key and confirm the notice in question.
- Later, you will access the Windows registry and on the left side, you will see a series of folders where you have to click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and then, in the available subfolders, do the following: Software -> Policies -> Microsoft -> Windows Defender.
- Followed by that, double click on the key on the right “Disable AntiSpyware”. Also, directly in “Value Information”, enter the number 0 Click OK and close the record.
- Finally, access the configuration menu, select “Update and security”to click on “Windows Defender” or “Windows Security” and enable the option indicated above.
Deactivate
On the other hand, if you want to disable the operation of this antivirus and antispyware, you can do it too. Considering that, the system allows you to do it only for a certain timeas it can then be activated automatically.
Clarified the above, we proceed to explain the steps to follow to be able to, easily and correctly:
- As in the previous case, click on the Start menu of the system and select the Settings icon.
- Then, among all the options in the configuration window, Click on the “Update & Security” category.
- After that, in the options bar, choose “Windows Defender” or “Windows Security”.
- Next, you need to deactivate the three available switches which are: “Real-time protection”, “Cloud-based protection” and “Sample submission”.
- To save the changes, just you have to close the settings window.
It should be noted that, unlike the previous case, at this point it is essential to disable the three indicated switches. Since, apart from the option of “Protection in real time”the other alternatives…
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