If you’re using a Windows PC, you’ll find a built-in security tool that protects against viruses and malware. Microsoft Defender or Windows Security is a program that provides an integrated interface for managing the firewall, antivirus, and performance features. It also helps you keep track of the device’s health, and protects your data through password management and hardware encryption. Installing third-party antivirus software can disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus engine, however it won’t impact the capabilities of Windows Security itself.
One of the most significant features of Windows Security is Microsoft Defender’s real-time protection. This feature will scan the entire system, catching and blocking malicious software as it runs. It also has the ability to identify and restore malicious applications that it’s incorrectly blocked. It’s important to know that the Microsoft Defender scanner relies on online and cloud-based malware definitions. This could cause it to fall behind paid competitors in virus and malware detection rates in some instances.
Other settings you can access through Windows Security include User Account Control which alerts you when someone or something attempts to change the system-level settings or settings, and locks the screen until an administrator is able to confirm the change. It also allows you to set how often the center will run a background scan and look for updates.
You can also create backups of important data from the Microsoft OneDrive folder using Windows Security, and you can even use it to securely erase your hard drive and start over fresh. It’s a convenient method to keep your computer’s operating system as well as personal information safe and it’s a great option for people who don’t want to pay for a security program that isn’t included.