If you own a Windows computer, chances are you’ve heard of Windows Defender. But what is it, exactly? In its simplest form, Windows Defender is an anti-malware program that helps protect your computer against viruses and other threats. But there’s a lot more to it than that. Let’s break down what you need to know about Windows Defender. Learn What is Windows Defender?
What is Windows Defender?
- What Is It? – Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in anti-malware solution for Windows computers. It was originally released in 2006 as an update to the existing Microsoft Security Essentials platform, which was first launched back in 2004. Currently, Windows Defender is included with all modern versions of Windows—from Vista up until the latest version of Windows 10—and can be enabled with just a few clicks.
- How Does It Work? – Windows Defender works by using both signature-based scanning and behavior-based scanning technology. Signature-based scanning looks for known malicious files or software by comparing data from the file or program being scanned with a database of known malicious signatures. Behavior-based scanning monitors how programs behave on your computer and will flag any suspicious activity such as unexpected changes to system files or attempts to access sensitive information without permission. By combining both these technologies, Windows Defender can help protect your computer from a wide range of threats including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and rootkits. In addition to malware protection, Windows Defender also includes features such as USB flash drive protection and real-time protection which can help guard against new threats before they have a chance to take hold on your system.
Conclusion
Overall, Windows Defender is an effective tool for protecting your computer from a variety of online threats—both known and unknown—without having to purchase additional security software. While it may not offer the same level of protection as some third party solutions (such as McAfee), it does provide basic security coverage that should be sufficient for most users. For those looking for extra layers of protection beyond what’s offered in Windows Defender, there are plenty of free and paid options available on the market today that can provide an added layer of peace of mind while surfing the web or conducting other online activities.