Real-time protection is a feature in the Windows Security app that continuously monitors your device for potential threats such as viruses, malware, and spyware. This feature ensures that your device is actively protected by scanning files and programs as they are accessed or executed.

Here's how to do that on Windows, Mac, or Android.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus continuously scans your device for potential threats and takes immediate action to neutralize them. This proactive approach helps to prevent malware infections and keeps your device running smoothly.

Get support for Windows and learn about installation, updates, privacy, security and more.

Microsoft Defender is a new security app that helps protect you and your family across all your devices; Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS.

Use an anti-malware app - Installing an anti-malware app and keeping it up to date can help defend your PC against viruses and other malware (malicious software). Microsoft Defender is free anti-malware software included with Windows, and it's kept updated automatically through Windows Update.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files. When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, some Windows features may stop working correctly or Windows may stop responding altogether.

Download the drivers for the desired device from the device manufacturer's site. Make sure to download the correct drivers that match the version and architecture of Windows. Once downloaded, if necessary, uncompress the downloaded drivers. Make a note of where the drivers are located on the Windows device.

Use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes that they made (see the "Covered malware families" list in the "Release information" section of KB 890830). For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Windows Defender Offline or Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Learn how to use the PC Health Check app to help you improve your device performance.