Despite it's harsh criticism over the years, Windows 10's Antivirus 'Defender' Software has stepped up its game and become an extremely worthy option to protect your computer from all the internet critters.
It's free, already installed and easy to use. No need to keep paying for your current antivirus software, Windows Defender is here!
How To Use: Windows Defender, all you need.
Step 1: Locating Windows Security
Windows Defender allows you to see all of your security settings and security risks in a single glance. First, let's find it!
Since this software is already installed onto your Windows 10 computer, all you have to do is search for it! By clicking on the start button on your keyboard you can open up a search directory for all the applications on your computer.
Then all you have to do is type in "Security" and click on the Windows Security app.
Step 2: Securing your computer at a glance.
In the basic overview of your antivirus software you can view all your available settings and the health status of your protection protocols, marked by either a green tick or yellow warning sign. Further in these settings you can scan and improve your computers health.
Step 3: Protecting your computer.
To thoroughly protect your computer you can run regular scans or setup automated ones.
Click the Virus & threat protection tile (or the shield icon on the left menu bar).
Click Quick Scan
Your PC will then scan your files for any threats you might have, a pop up will either confirm or deny the existence of any threats.
(Depending on how many files you have, this could take a while)
Windows Defender can go into much more detail, however, for your basic computer needs the overview and Quick Scan are your go to easy options to protect your PC. However, for a more thorough scans you can change how you scan your files.
Step 4: Scan Options
Within your scan options you can choose to run a Quick Scan, Full Scan, Custom Scan or a Windows Defender Offline Scan.
Each a different type, so depending on which you choose, it may take a while to scan all of your files.
Viruses can be tricky, and sometimes a bit daunting, but don't worry, Windows Defender offers an easy and free alternative to protecting your PC!