How to Download Windows Defender

To download Windows Defender at the Microsoft website, you will need a genuine copy of Microsoft Windows. Windows Defender (formerly called Windows AntiSpyware) is a free program offered through a Microsoft which helps to protect your computer against pop-ups, spyware, slow performance, unwanted software, and other computer security threats. Windows Defender uses Real-Time Protection which monitors your system for spyware and minimizes interruptions.

Here’s how to download Windows Defender:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Before downloading Windows Defender, make sure that you have the correct Microsoft Windows system requirements. You will need Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, or Windows XP Service Pack 2.

2. Go to the download section of the Microsoft Windows website at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads and type in “windows defender”. Click on the correct version.

3. In order to download Windows Defender, you will need to go through a short validation process to prove that you are running a genuine copy of Microsoft Windows. Click on the “Continue” button near the top of the page.

4. Click download for the Windows Defender file you're going to download. Only click this button once.

5. When your browser asks what to do with the Windows Defender file, select “Save” and pick which folder you want to download it to. If this doesn’t work, right click and select “Save Target As…” (wording may vary).

6. After you download Windows Defender, you can follow the link at the Microsoft website and learn how to use your new software.