How to access Defender to update/remove materials

Use the Windows Security app to review and manage Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

1. Open Start and search for Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. From there, these are the main places to manage what Defender is doing:
   • Run scans
   • Check protection updates
   • Verify real-time protection
   • Add exclusions
   • Review protection history
   • Configure ransomware protection

If the goal is to make sure threats are being detected properly:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
2. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
3. Make sure Cloud-delivered protection and Automatic sample submission are turned On.
4. Under Virus & threat protection updates, select Check for updates.
5. Under Threat definitions, select Check for updates.

If items were already detected and action is needed:

• Remove deletes the file from the PC.
• Quarantine moves the file to a safe location and blocks it from running.
• Allow adds the file to an allowed list and lets it run. Only allow a file if the software and publisher are trusted.

If Defender settings appear unavailable or grayed out, those settings can be controlled by Group Policy and may not be changeable on the device until the policy is updated.

Do not disable the Windows Security app. Disabling it does not disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus or Windows Firewall, can cause stale or inaccurate status information, and can significantly lower device protection.

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus in the Windows Security app
• Troubleshoot problems with detecting and removing malware
• Antivirus and antimalware software: FAQ