Protecting your Windows PC from malware, ransomware and other cyber threats is essential. While installing antivirus software is a great first step, proper configuration and regular maintenance are necessary to ensure maximum protection.
Windows security, the built-in antivirus for windows, offers real-time protection, firewall integration, and cloud-based scanning. This guide will walk through selecting, setting up, and optimizing antivirus software to keep your system safe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Windows Security with Antivirus Software
Step 1: Open Windows Security
Click the Start Menu (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner.
Click the Settings (gear icon)
Navigate to Update & Security
Click Open Window Security to launch the antivirus dashboard.
Step 2: Enable Core Protection Features
Click Virus & threat protection in the left panel.
Select Manage Settings.
Turn on Real Time Protection - Monitors and blocks threats as they appear.
Cloud-Delivered Protection - Updates virus definition online.
Tamper Protection - Prevents malware from disabling security settings.
Controlled Folder Access - Protect against ransomware by blocking unauthorized file changes.
Step 3: Run a Manual Virus Scan (Recommended Weekly)
In Virus & threat protection, click Scan Options.
Choose one of the following:
Quick Scan - Scan common malware locations, recommended daily.
Full Scan - Scans the entire system, recommended weekly.
Custom scan - Scan specific files or folders.
Microsoft Defender Offline Scan - Reboots your system to scan deeply for threats.
Click Scan now and review the results.
Step 4: Keep Windows Security Updated
Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Virus & threat protection.
Scroll down and click Check for updates under Virus & threat protection updates.
