What is windows security defender

The following table describes what to expect when Microsoft Defender Antivirus is in active mode, passive mode, or disabled. If you want to check the state of Microsoft Defender Antivirus on your device, you can use one of several methods, such as the Windows Security app or Windows PowerShell. On your Windows device, select the Start menu, and begin typing Security. Then open the Windows Security app in the results. Select the Start menu, and begin typing PowerShell. Then open Windows PowerShell in the results.

Passive mode is only available for devices that are onboarded to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and that meet certain requirements. To learn more, see Requirements for Microsoft Defender Antivirus to run in passive mode.

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Privacy policy. Settings that were previously part of the Windows Defender client and main Windows Settings have been combined and moved to the new app, which is installed by default as part of Windows 10, version These are disabled automatically when a third-party antivirus or firewall product is installed and kept up to date. If you do disable the Windows Security app service, or configure its associated Group Policy settings to prevent it from starting or running, the Windows Security app might display stale or inaccurate information about any antivirus or firewall products you have installed on the device.

It might also prevent Microsoft Defender Antivirus from enabling itself if you have an old or outdated third-party antivirus, or if you uninstall any third-party antivirus products you might have previously installed.

This will significantly lower the protection of your device and could lead to malware infection. See the Windows Security article for more information on other Windows security features that can be monitored in the app. The Windows Security app is a client interface on Windows 10, version and later. Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. Download Microsoft Edge More info. Contents Exit focus mode. Please rate your experience Yes No. Any additional feedback? If you feel this is an unauthorized transaction, please contact our billing department as soon as possible.

I have also experienced the same problem described by the other user reports in the page. The email arrived on August 17th. I too received the Windows defender email and quickly called to cancel. An person with an Indian accent answered and told me they had to log on to my computer to delete the program. They said it was installed and I had accepted a free trial 3 years ago and now they charge was being applied.

They wanted my bank account to refund they money too. That is when I got mad and told them absolutely not and I was reporting them. By that time they loaded a ZohoAsist ap to take over my computer pretending to look for the Windows Defender. I quickly terminated the WIFI connection and deleted those sessions. Now I am afraid they did a quick scan to find any info they could to steal my ID. What can I do to protect myself and computer? I received a scam email concerning Windows Defender Protection this morning which I did not call phone number listed.

Just wanted to advise you of this email.