Want to take advantage of the newest Windows Security features to help protect your PC? You'll find the latest information about Windows Security here.
Be alert for tech support scams
An ongoing problem are scams where people get pop-ups, or unsolicited phone calls, telling them there is something wrong with their computer such as a virus and emploring them to contact a "tech support agent" to help them. In reality there is generally nothing wrong with their computer and the "agent" is a scammer who wants to steal your information or money, or secretly install malware on your computer. Watch this short video for information on how to spot, and avoid, tech support scams.
Tip: Microsoft will never call you to tell you we've spotted a problem with your computer or account unless you've reached out to us first. If you get an unsolicited call claiming to be from Microsoft support, just hang up.
The Internet of Things continues to grow
Many people are buying or receiving new smart devices; voice assistants, thermostats, internet-connected doorbells, and more. These devices can add a lot of fun and functionality to your home or business, but they also come with risks. In this article we'll help you deploy and use them more safely.
Free security fundamentals videos
Want a quick set of training videos for you or your business? We've created a new playlist on YouTube of short videos for everyday people. Security basics without a lot of jargon. The entire playlist is less than 15 minutes long and you'll come out of it feeling more confident and prepared to be safer online.
If you're a small business owner consider adding this playlist to your required training for your team.
October was Cybersecurity Awareness Month #BeCyberSafe
All throughout October Microsoft participated the effort to help people #BeCyberSafe with new articles and tips at our Security home page.
Updated protection from malware
In some cases, Windows Security will use the cloud to analyze a suspicious program. This analysis helps Windows Security learn about new threats, so it can respond with protection much faster than on earlier versions of Windows.
We’ve improved the cloud-delivered protection and automatic sample submission features included in Windows 10 so that Windows Security can respond to new threats faster. In most cases, Windows Security uses cloud-delivered protection to detect and block threats the very first time it encounters them.
How do I know if I’m protected?
By running Windows Security with cloud-delivered protection and automatic sample submission turned on, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the very highest level of protection from the latest threats. That’s it!
To confirm that you have those turned on, go to Settings > Updates and Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings. There you'll see the settings for Cloud-delivered protection and Automatic sample submission.
Offline scan
Run an offline scan to find and remove malware that can’t be found with a normal scan. To run an offline scan in Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection, and then under Current threats, select Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan > Scan now.
Avoid potentially unwanted applications
Potentially unwanted applications (PUA) are a category of software that aren't malware, but that may do some things that you'd rather they not do - such as install other applications you didn't ask for, pop unexpected ads at you, or cause your machine to run slowly. With the Windows 10 May 2020 update we added a feature to scan apps you run or download and warn you if they're potentially unwanted.
It's turned off by default for consumers. To turn it on go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings.
For more information see Protect your PC from potentially unwanted applications
For more tips and information
Visit our Microsoft security help and learning page for more tips and information, including videos and training!
Want more videos? Visit the Microsoft Security channel on YouTube.