Windows 10: What Are the Best Security Settings to Enable in Microsoft Defender?

I want to enhance my PC’s security using Microsoft Defender. What are the best settings to enable for real-time protection, ransomware protection, and firewall settings to ensure maximum safety?

:)

 

Introducing Microsoft Defender: New Microsoft 365 online security app

Read more:

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/micr...d-your-family/
• https://www.microsoft.com/security/b...r-individuals/

 

Windows 10 Windows Defender versus Microsoft Security Essentials

Hi Bryan,

Microsoft Security Essentials was upgraded to Windows defender and it was a default security software from Windows 8. You cannot have both as they are one.

Since you get this annoying popup at the startup i suggest you to disable any Microsoft Security Essentials entries in Startup tab.

• Open the Task manager. by pressing Press CTRL+Shift+ESC.
• click on Startup tab
• Right click on Microsoft Security Essentials entry and click on Disable.

Restart the computer and check if that helps.

 

Windows defender couldnt be enable after being disabled

Hello Imtiaz,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I appreciate your interest on Windows 10.

Before we proceed I would like you to answer the following questions:

• 
  Have you installed any third-party security software on your computer?
  
• 
  Are you using administrator account?
  
• 
  Is the computer connected to domain?
  
• 
  Did you try restarting the computer and check?
  

I suggest you to follow the methods below:

Method 1

update the group policy and check.

• 
  Press Windows key + R.
  
• 
  Type Gpupdate and press enter.
  
• 
  Then try enabling the Windows defender in group policy and check.
  

This issue usually arises when you have installed a security software on your computer. From Windows 8 onwards, the Windows Defender is equipped with all the functionalities of an anti-virus software including real-time protection which was not
present in Windows Defender in Windows 7.

Method 2

If you have any third-party security software installed, I would suggest you to uninstall thatsoftware and then upgrade to Windows 10. As it is not recommended to keep more than 1 anti-virus software with real-time protection.

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable/uninstall your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable/uninstall
it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Whenever you install a third-party security software in Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, it automatically disables Windows Defender to avoid conflicts.

Method 3

I suggest you to follow the steps below to turn on the windows defender.

• 
  Type control panel in the search box.
  
• 
  Choose the Action Center under
  System and Security option.
  
• 
  You see the notification that Windows defender is turned off below the
  Security label. Hit the Turn on now tab to active the Windows Defender again.
  

Please get back to us with updated status. We will be happy to assist you further.