7 things you didn’t know Microsoft Defender can do

1. Detect and remove malware

One of the most crucial functions of Microsoft Defender is its ability to detect and remove malware on your personal devices. Malware is a malicious type of software designed to access unauthorized information or disrupt and damage hardware or a network. Microsoft Defender helps keep you safe from malware by regularly scanning your devices for malicious software.

2. Detect and remove spyware

Like malware, spyware is a type of malicious software that lets unauthorized users gain access to information stored on a device and transmit it elsewhere. Microsoft Defender monitors your devices for unusual activity that may indicate a spyware attack and removes malicious software that it deems harmful.

3. Scan for viruses

Computer viruses—another type of malicious software that replicates its own code and spreads from program to program—can quickly wreak havoc on your devices if you’re not prepared. Microsoft Defender provides continuous antivirus scanning to ensure that your devices are clean. If you’re pairing Microsoft Defender with a third-party antivirus solution, you can easily view your device’s protection status on the Microsoft Defender dashboard.

4. Protect your web browser

In addition to monitoring your device’s software, Microsoft Defender has the capability to protect and monitor your web browsing sessions. Microsoft Defender’s browser-related security features include:

• SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge: SmartScreen offers in-browser protection from dangerous sites and file downloads by blocking anything it finds suspicious or potentially harmful.
• Reputation-based protection: Turning on the reputation-based protection setting keeps your devices safe by enabling a set of screenings for web-based applications and files. Users can also toggle on Potentially unwanted app blocking, which blocks apps and downloads from low-reputation sites.
• Isolated browsing: With isolated browsing, users can set up a web browsing environment in which Microsoft Defender Application Guard shields data from malware attacks.

5. Update automatically to ensure you have the latest security features

Microsoft Defender provides automatic updates daily to keep your device protection airtight. With an ever-changing cyber threat landscape, it’s important to have a security app that frequently refreshes and updates to reflect new developments.

6. Manage your firewall settings

A firewall is a security measure that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic on your network to prevent malicious activity. Windows Firewall is integrated with Microsoft Defender to protect your information, and Microsoft Defender’s settings let you easily enable and disable various firewall settings to meet your needs. From the Firewall & network protection menu, users can:

• Enable and disable the firewall on a domain network: Domain networks are a network of hosts that exist within the same infrastructure, such as a school or workplace.
• Enable and disable the firewall on a private network: A private network is typically a personal network used in someone’s home.
• Enable and disable the firewall on a public network: Public networks, such as those in cafes or other shared public spaces, pose the most security threats.
• Permit a specific app to pass through a firewall: Sometimes your security solution may incorrectly flag an app as suspicious. If that happens, users can choose to manually override the decision and let an app through.

7. Set parental controls

Microsoft Defender’s Family options settings allows users to manage a range of settings, including defining parental controls. Microsoft Defender’s parental control capabilities include:

• Website blocking: Setting a list of approved and restricted websites can help keep children safe while browsing and prevent them from accessing inappropriate content.
• Manage screen time: Microsoft Defender allows parents to set screen time limits for children on their devices.
• Monitor purchases: Parents can set permissions and restrictions on what games and apps children are able to buy and download.
• Weekly activity reports: Microsoft Defender allows parents to see reports on their children’s online activity.

Ready to protect your personal data and devices? Download the Microsoft Defender app today to get started, available exclusively with a Microsoft 365 subscription.