You can start a scan for malware any time you like. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware on Windows, Android, and macOS. From the Microsoft Defender dashboard. If you want a deeper scan, instead of selecting Quick scan in step 3, select Scan options and choose the type of scan you want.

If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track.

If you want to use Windows Security, uninstall all of your other antivirus programs and Windows Security will automatically turn on. You may be asked to restart your device. Note: In previous versions of Windows 10, Windows Security is called Windows Defender Security Center.

Follow these steps to automatically diagnose and repair Windows security problems by turning on UAC, DEP protection, Windows Firewall, and other Windows security options and features. Select the Download button on this page.

The Microsoft Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware. Learn how to remove malware from your PC. Use Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 or Windows 11 to scan your PC for malware, viruses, or other threats.

Important Defender for Endpoint has been removed from the base image for Windows 11, version 24H2 and needs to be manually installed whenever a device goes from Home to Pro. Workaround. Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command-line tool to install the Windows Sense Client from an elevated command prompt.

Having trouble connecting to your email from Outlook on your desktop? Follow these steps to let Outlook diagnose and fix errors in your Outlook mail profile that might be causing the issue.

App & browser control in Windows Security provides the settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which helps protect your device from potentially dangerous apps, files, websites, and downloads. The settings on the App & browser control page let you: Block unrecognized apps, files, malicious sites, downloads, and web content.

Automatically repair Windows Firewall problems, such as Windows fails to start Windows Firewall service (0x5) or Windows remote assistance is not working.

Following the installation of the October 2024 security update, some customers report that the OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) service fails to start, preventing SSH connections. The service fails with no detailed logging, and manual intervention is required to run the sshd.exe process.