Introduction:

Windows Defender is an essential security feature on Windows operating systems. It helps protect your computer from various online threats, such as malware, viruses, and other potentially harmful software. Ensuring that your Windows Defender is enabled can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. In this article, we will explore the specific steps you need to follow to turn on Windows Defender and keep your computer safe.

Step 1: Check Your Current Security Software

Before activating Windows Defender, it’s vital to determine if you have any existing antivirus software installed. Running two antivirus programs simultaneously can cause conflicts and reduce the efficiency of both. If you already have an alternate security program installed, consider whether you want to keep it or move forward with Windows Defender.

Step 2: Turning on Windows Defender through Windows Security

1. Click on the Start button (located at the bottom-left corner of your screen) and type ‘Windows Security’ into the search bar. Press Enter or select the app from the search results.

2. In the Windows Security dashboard, click on ‘Virus & threat protection.’

3. You will now see information regarding your device’s current protection status. If Windows Defender is not yet activated, you will notice a warning message.

4. To turn on Windows Defender, click ‘Activate now.’ The system will proceed to enable real-time protection automatically.

Step 3: Enable Tamper Protection (optional)

Tamper Protection is a feature that prevents unauthorized changes to security settings in Windows Security. Enabling this feature can further protect your computer from attempted attacks. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Open the ‘Windows Security’ app by following Step 1 in the previous section.

2. Click on ‘Virus & threat protection,’ then scroll down until you find ‘Tamper Protection.’

3. Turn Tamper Protection on by clicking on the toggle switch.

Step 4: Keep Your System Updated

To maintain your device’s optimal security, it’s crucial to ensure that both Windows Defender and your operating system are up-to-date. Regular updates help protect your computer from newly discovered threats. You can check for updates by following these steps:

1. Click on the Start button and type ‘Settings’ into the search bar. Press Enter or select the app from the search results.

2. In the Settings app, click on ‘Update & Security.’

3. Under ‘Windows Update,’ click on ‘Check for updates.’ The system will search for available updates and install them accordingly.

Conclusion

By enabling Windows Defender on your computer, you’ll have a robust layer of protection against various online threats. Coupled with keeping your system updated, you can minimize potential security risks that can result in data loss or damage to your device. Stay vigilant and ensure that Windows Defender stays active to enjoy a safer computing environment.