Windows Defender helps remove spyware from your computer

Published: 13 February 2006 | Updated: 01 November 2006

Windows Defender helps protect your computer against security threats, pop-ups, and slow performance caused by spyware and other unwanted software.

The newest beta antispyware software from Microsoft, Windows Defender replaces Windows Antispyware (Beta). It is available at no cost to anyone using genuine Microsoft Windows.

Benefits of Windows Defender
Windows Defender finds spyware and other unwanted programs and provides you with options to remove, ignore, or disable them. When you download Windows Defender, you get the following:

Real-Time Protection. This system can monitor your computer and recommend actions for you to take when it detects spyware.

Automatic definition updates. Provided by Microsoft analysts and a voluntary, worldwide network of Windows Defender users, these updates keep you up-to-date on which suspicious programs classify as spyware. With automatic updates, Windows Defender can better detect and remove new threats as the threats are identified.

Straightforward operation and thorough removal technology. These features help you easily detect and eliminate spyware. You can schedule automatic scan and removal processes at your convenience. A streamlined interface minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

You can help detect spyware
Anyone who uses Windows Defender 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.

Read more about Windows Defender.

Note If you are using a non-English version of Windows on your PC, you may run into an issue when you install Windows Defender. If so, see KB 915087 for information about how to resolve this issue. Please check availability of the KB for your language.