Tip: If you're a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscriber you get Microsoft Defender, our advanced security software for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as part of your subscription.Learn more at Getting started with Microsoft Defender.

Important: You don't need to remove old security information unless there is an account security risk (e.g. someone else has access to your old mailbox).

When you get a new device and start up Windows 10 for the first time, the antivirus protection that comes installed with the device is your default security app.

When you back up your files, apps, and settings in the cloud using your Microsoft account, you get 5 GB of free cloud storage and other benefits that protect your files with the latest security and make everyday tasks easier.

Microsoft generally releases the MSRT on a monthly cadence as part of Windows Update or as a standalone tool. (For exceptions, see Skipped releases.)Use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes that they made (see Covered malware families).For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Windows Defender Offline or Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Find out how to use Game Bar to capture game play, chat with friends, track achievements, and more.

Try it! Universal search. Select Search on the taskbar or press Windows logo key + S, then type what you want to find.You'll get personalized search results for people, email, and files in local and shared sites, or from the web. Desktop groups

That verification method isn’t working right now: Sometimes the block may be tied to the verification method you are using.Try using another verification method connected to your account. For example, if you are using SMS to verify yourself and are hitting a block, try using an alternate email that is connected to the account to receive your authorization code.

Here's more info on what permissions allow an app to do: Access all your files, peripheral devices, apps, programs, and registry: The app has the ability to read or write to all your files (including documents, pictures, and music) and registry settings, which allows the app to make changes to your computer and settings. It can use any peripheral devices that are either attached or part of ...

Note: If you see the icon next to the On/Off toggle for an app, you can select it to see the registry location that contains the path for the app. Apps installed through Microsoft Store (.MSIX apps) don’t have these icons. If you select the icon for these apps, File Explorer opens and highlights the executable file.