How to Configure Windows Defender
Windows Defender is a free spyware removal program for Windows operating systems. It offers many configuration options and scanning features, which are designed to protect your computer from old and new threats such as spyware, malicious toolbars, tracking cookies and more. Because the Internet is a dangerous ground where damaging spyware breeds, it is important to configure this program properly and ensure that your computer remains protected from malicious programs.
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Instructions
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Go to the Windows Defender web page, and click "Get it Now" if you do not already have it installed on your computer. Click "Download" and click "Save" to download the installation file on your desktop.
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Double-click the installation file, and click "Run" to launch the installation wizard. Follow the guided instrucitons to install the program on your computer.
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Click the Windows "Start" button, and click "All Programs." Click "Windows Defender" to launch the application once the installation is complete.
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Click the "Check for updates" button. Windows Defender checks the Microsoft server for new spyware and virus definitions and installs them automatically. The alert shield turns into a green check mark when the update process is complete.
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Click the "Tools" button on the main menu, and click "Options." Adjust the automatic scanning settings in the "Automatic Scanning" section. Select the frequency to scan for threats and the time of day to scan the computer. Select the scan type (Quick or Full).
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Click "Microsoft SpyNet," and specify whether you want to join the online community. Select "I don't want to join Microsoft SpyNet at this time" if you are uninterested.
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Select the "Use realtime protection (recommended) check box. Real-time protection alerts of malicious programs attempting to install themselves on your computer. Select all the options under real-time protection.
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Select "Advanced" in the options console, and select the "Scan the contents of archived files and folders for potential threats" check box. Click "Do not scan these files or locations," and click "Add." Specify the locations you do not want Windows Defender to scan.
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Click the "Quarantine" link, and select the programs to place or remove from the quarantine vault. Run system scans once you complete the configuration process.
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