How to Install Microsoft Windows Defender

Microsoft Windows Defender will protect your system from security threats, sluggish performance, and pop-ups from spyware and other useless applications. It is a free program available from Microsoft to download. It comes installed with Microsoft Windows Vista, but is also available to other Microsoft Windows users from their website. Microsoft Windows Defender will run in the background virtually unnoticed and has real-time Protection. You will receive notification and recommendations for detected problems. Your system will be protected continuously against all threats.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with:
• Intel Pentium 233 MHz or higher processor (Pentium III is recommended)
• Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later
• Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later
• 64 MB of RAM (128 MB RAM is recommended)
• 20 MB available space on hard disk
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
• Internet access of at least 28.8 Kbps
• Windows Installer version 3.1 or higher

1. Go online to the Microsoft Windows Defender page listed under "Resources" below.
2. Select “Download It Here.”
3. A page will open with details about the program. You can read all about the many features and options available, and many other fine points of the software. You will have to have your copy of Microsoft Windows validated to proceed with the download. Select “Continue” to begin the validation process. This necessary requirement will only take a few moments to complete.
4. Once your system is validated, the “Download” button will be available. Click on it.
5. A file download window will appear. Select “Run” to install the software now, or “Save” to download it now and install it at a later time. Select “Run.”
6. You will see a window showing the program being downloaded, the estimated time and the transfer rate. It will download to a Temporary Folder, unless you have selected “Save.” This will only take a few moments to complete.
7. An Internet Explorer Security Warning box will appear. Select “Run.”
8. An Install Wizard will appear. Select “Next.”
9. You will have to validate your copy of Microsoft Windows (again). Select “Validate.”
10. The Windows Defender License Agreement will appear. You must accept the terms to continue. Click on “I accept the terms in the license agreement” and then select “Next.”
11. You will have to choose if you want to become part of the Microsoft SpyNet online community. The details are explained. You could choose to not join by selecting “Install definition updates only,” but it is suggested to select “Use recommended settings” by placing a check in the box. Then select “Next.”
12. You will then have to select a “Setup Type” of either “Complete” (the default setting) or “Custom.” It is not recommended to use the second option unless you are an advanced user. Select “Next.”
13. If you need to make any changes select the “Back” button, otherwise select the “Install” to begin.
14. You will see the program being installed on your system. A window will appear and show a successful installation with a check mark selected to “Check for updated definitions and run a quick scan now.” Select “Finish.”
15. The program will check for available updates. They will automatically be downloaded and installed onto your system.
16. You will now have a Windows Defender icon in the lower right of your screen. Your system is now being fully protected.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a pop-up blocker installed on your system, you may have to disable it to complete the download.
• You can select what time you want your system to be scanned. You can also set it to run “on-demand”.
• Microsoft Windows Defender will automatically update itself with the latest known security threats if you select this available option.
• If you want to change (or check) any of the settings on Microsoft Windows Defender, you can open the program by clicking on the icon in the lower right of your desktop, or by locating the application under your programs. (Select “Start” and then “All Programs”).

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