Learn how to protect your Windows devices and personal data from viruses, malware, or malicious attacks.

Keeping your computer secure helps you avoid malware and direct hacking attempts designed to steal your personal information. Here are some ways you can help reduce your online risk when you use your computer at home.

In the Windows Security app on your PC, select Virus & threat protection > Manage settings or use the following shortcut: Virus & threat protection settings. You can turn Real-time protection On or Off using the toggle button.

The Microsoft Virus and Security Solution Center provides free tools that can help detect and remove viruses. These tools can also strengthen defenses to help secure your computer against viruses and other security threats.

Learn how to use virus and threat protection options in Windows Security to scan your device for threats and view the results.

How to start a scan for viruses or malware in Microsoft Defender Applies To Microsoft Defender on Android Microsoft Defender on Mac Microsoft Defender on Windows You can start a scan for malware any time you like.

Be sure Windows Security is turned on to help protect you from viruses and malware (or Windows Defender Security Center in previous versions of Windows 10). In Windows 10 or 11 turn on Controlled Folder Access to protect your important local folders from unauthorized programs like ransomware or other malware.

Use Windows Defender in Windows 8.1. Select the Start icon, type Windows Defender, and then press Enter.. From Scan options, select Full.. Select Scan now.. View the results of your scan. Select the Start icon, type Windows Defender, and then press Enter.. Select the History tab.. Select All detected items, and then select the View details button .. The Windows Defender …

When you start up Windows 10 for the first time, Windows Security is on and actively helping to protect your PC by scanning for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. Windows Security uses real-time protection to scan everything you download or run on your PC.

Learn what macro viruses are in Microsoft Office and how to protect yourself from them.