Frequently asked questions about Windows Defender (Beta 2)

Windows Defender (Beta 2) is the name of the next beta version of Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware. It includes several enhancements that are based on customer input. Changes include, but are not limited to:

Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a security technology that helps protect you from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. This enhanced protection improves Internet browsing safety by helping to guard the places where spyware can enter your computer.

When you install Windows Defender (Beta 2), you can immediately scan for spyware and other unwanted software that might be installed on your computer. You can schedule scans and choose to have harmful items removed or quarantined automatically. If potentially harmful software tries to run or install itself on your computer, Windows Defender (Beta 2) notifies you and helps you choose how to take action. And you can receive the latest spyware updates automatically.

Windows Defender (Beta 2), subsequent beta versions, and the final release version will each be available at no additional charge for currently licensed Windows customers. You will be required to verify that you are using genuine Windows through a quick and easy online process called validation. Get more information about the Windows Genuine Advantage program.

System requirements:

Note: Windows Defender (Beta 2) does not run on the Microsoft Windows Me, Microsoft Windows 98, or Microsoft Windows NT operating systems.

Yes. Windows Defender (Beta 2) in Windows Vista offers additional performance and security enhancements including the ability to scan only files that have changed, to run under a security-enhanced account, and to scan files when you run them. Windows Defender (Beta 2) will also allow you to scan files as you download them if you use Internet Explorer 7.

No. There are many different security technologies available from Microsoft. To find out more about antispyware and antivirus technologies and their capabilities, see Windows Defender (Beta 2) compared to other Microsoft antispyware and antivirus technologies.

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) was the name of a previous version of Windows Defender (Beta 2).

If you installed Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) prior to the release of Windows Defender (Beta 2), you will receive a software notification when a new version is available. To download a copy, go to Microsoft Download Center.

In Windows Defender (Beta 2), click the drop-down menu next to the Help icon, and then click About Windows Defender. The version number appears in the dialog box that opens.

For more information, see How to see if I have the latest version of Windows Defender (Beta 2).

No. The beta release of this software does not require registration.

Yes. You will be required to verify that you are using genuine Windows through a quick and easy online process called validation. Get more information about the Windows Genuine Advantage program.

No. The beta version of the software is not available on CD-ROM.

Windows Defender (Beta 2) displays detailed information about every spyware program detected, which includes a description of the threat, where it is located on your computer, a risk rating, and a recommended action to take. This information allows you to make informed decisions about removal. You can either remove spyware permanently or temporarily disable it using Spyware Quarantine.

Because many cookies are used for legitimate purposes, Microsoft plans to refine the approach to cookies based on customer feedback received during the beta period. You can currently manage cookies through your Web browser.

Real-Time Protection monitors critical checkpoints in Windows. These checkpoints are triggered when programs make changes to your Windows configuration. These changes can occur when you install software on your computer, or they can occur when spyware or other potentially unwanted software attempts to install on your computer.

If the Real-Time Protection system detects a change in any checkpoint, Windows Defender (Beta 2) alerts you and provides the option for you to allow or block the change. In some cases—for example, when you install software—you can choose to allow the change in order to continue the installation process.

To configure the Real-Time Protection system, on the Tools menu, click Options. Scroll down to Real-Time Protection options section to view options to activate or deactivate the Real-Time Protection system.

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later.

Microsoft has set up a newsgroup forum to help answer your questions. Please visit the Windows Defender (Beta 2) newsgroup for support.

Anyone who uses Windows Defender (Beta 2) can join a worldwide network of users who help discover and report new threats. Microsoft analysts review these reports and develop new software definitions to guard against the new threats, so that everyone is better protected.

Because not all software that is detected is spyware, when you see if other users have chosen to block, remove, or allow an item, you can help decide how to respond to a Windows Defender (Beta 2) alert. Similarly, if you participate, your choices are reported to the community to help other users take action. Community preferences are displayed in Windows Defender (Beta 2) as a bar graph that shows the percentage of people who have allowed, blocked, or removed an item.

Spyware is continually developed, so information from the voting network also helps Microsoft determine which software to investigate. For example, if many people remove software that has not yet been classified, Microsoft will analyze it, determine if it is spyware, and then update the spyware definitions for your computer. Spyware definitions act like an ever-growing encyclopedia of known threats. Up-to-date definitions files help Windows Defender (Beta 2) detect the latest spyware threats and keep them from infecting your computer. If software is not spyware but operates in a way that might be harmful or unwanted, up-to-date definition files also allow Windows Defender (Beta 2) to alert you to potential risks posed by that software. The voting network collects no personal information unless you opt in to advanced participation.

To join the voting network:

The voting network collects information in a report about the file in question, such as the file name, and the action that you chose to take (to block or allow). When Windows Defender (Beta 2) sends the report to the voting network it also sends standard computer information, such as your region and language setting. The voting network collects no personal information unless you opt in to advanced participation.

The voting network reports are used to improve Microsoft software and services. The reports might also be used for statistical or other testing or analytical purposes, trending, and signature generation. Microsoft employees, contractors, and vendors who have a business need to use the reports are provided access to them.

To remove Windows Defender (Beta 2) from Windows 2000 or Windows XP:

Spyware is software that can display advertisements (such as pop-up ads), collect information about you, or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. For more information, see What is spyware?

You might have some form of spyware on your computer if:

Note: Some spyware might not have any symptoms at all. Its purpose is to collect information from you and your computer. Installing an antispyware program, such as Windows Defender (Beta 2), can help you scan your computer to find and remove spyware.

For more information, see Signs of spyware.

Spyware can be installed by Web sites, downloaded programs, or a program you might install from a CD-ROM or floppy disk. Spyware is most commonly installed through free software, such as file sharing programs, screen savers, or search toolbars.

Yes, some spyware can be installed from a Web site directly. However, if you keep Windows up to date and don't reduce your security settings, you can minimize the threat. Some spyware is installed through Web pop-up windows or free software that requires you to accept a downloadable file.

You can help prevent spyware with a combination of technology and common sense. Software products, such as Windows Defender (Beta 2), can help protect your computer by watching for spyware trying to install itself or run on your computer. Windows Defender (Beta 2) and other antispyware programs can also scan your system automatically to help find and remove spyware that might already be installed.

You can also help prevent spyware by keeping your Windows operating system up to date. Security updates are often issued to help prevent spyware from being installed without your knowledge. Most new antivirus programs have spyware protection features, and should be kept up to date as well. For more information, see Updating your computer: Frequently asked questions.

When you visit Web sites, do not automatically agree to download anything the site offers. If you download free software, such as file-sharing programs or screen savers, read the license agreement carefully. Look for clauses in which you must accept advertising and pop-ups from the company, or that the software will send certain information back to the software publisher. For more information, see How to prevent spyware.

One of the best ways to remove spyware is to use an automated antispyware product, such as Windows Defender (Beta 2), which scans and deletes spyware from your computer. For more ideas about how to remove spyware, see How to get rid of spyware.