Windows Defender is a Microsoft anti-virus program that helps protect your computer from viruses, spyware and other malicious software. It runs in the background to detect and remove threats as they occur. To ensure Windows Defender is up to date, you should take certain steps to ensure it is running properly.
The first step is to ensure that Windows Update is enabled on your computer. Windows Update is the built-in feature used to periodically download and install important system updates and fixes from Microsoft. These updates can include security patches, stability improvements, and new features for Windows Defender. You can check that Windows Update is enabled by going to Control Panel –> System and Security –> Windows Update –> Change Settings. Here, make sure “Install updates automatically” is selected and click “OK.”
Once you’ve ensured Windows Update is active, you can open Windows Defender. To do this, go to Control Panel –> System and Security –> Security. Here, you will find a link to open Windows Defender. Once open, you should click on the Update tab located along the top of the window. On the Update tab, you will see the last time your system was updated, as well as any available updates for Windows Defender.
If you find any new updates for Windows Defender, you should select the “Install Updates” button. This will begin the update process, and you should see a progress indicator that shows the update’s progress. Once the update is complete, it will be installed and Windows Defender will be up to date.
You can also configure Windows Defender to automatically check for and install updates. To do this, go to the Update Tab of the Windows Defender console and select the “Check for Updates Automatically” checkbox. This will ensure that your system is always up to date with the latest virus and spyware definitions, and helps keep your computer secure.
Finally, if you want an extra layer of protection, you can install a third-party antivirus program. These programs work alongside Windows Defender, and are often better at detecting and removing threats. The best antivirus programs are regularly updated by their manufacturer to ensure your computer is always protected from the latest threats.
In summary, to ensure Windows Defender is up to date, you should ensure Windows Update is enabled, open Windows Defender and manually check for updates, and configure it to check for updates automatically. If you want an added layer of protection, you can also consider installing a third-party antivirus program. These steps will help keep your computer secure and free of viruses and other malicious software.