How do I turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11?

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By Alisa | Follow | Last Updated September 16, 2022

How do I turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11?

This post introduces Windows Defender to you. Learn how to open and use Windows Defender in Windows 10/11, how to enable or disable Windows Defender on your computer, etc. For more computer tips and tricks, you can go to MiniTool Software website where you can also find some useful software programs.

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About Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a free program included in Windows 10/11 system that helps protect your computer against security threats like malware, spyware, virus, etc. It is an anti-malware component of Microsoft Windows. Unlike other third-party antivirus software, Windows Defender doesn’t require additional download and installation. Windows Defender is also called Windows Security, Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender Antivirus, or Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Windows Defender Download for Windows 10/11

Windows Defender is included in Windows 10/11 system and is not available for a standalone download now.

If you can’t find Windows Defender on your computer, you can update Windows 11/10 to the latest version. To download and install the latest Windows updates, you can click Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update -> Check for updates. For Windows 11, you can click Start -> Settings -> Windows Update -> Check for updates.

Quick Video Guide:

How to Open Windows Defender in Windows 10/11 – 5 Ways

To open Windows Defender in Windows 10/11, you can try the 5 ways below.

Way 1. Use Windows Search

Click Start, type Windows Defender in the search box and choose Windows Defender or Windows Security from the result to open it.

Way 2. Find it from Start menu

For Windows 10, click Start and find Windows Security or Windows Defender from the apps list. For Windows 11, you can click All Apps icon to list all apps in your system.

Way 3. Open Windows Defender from Settings

For Windows 10, press Windows + I to open Windows Settings. Click Update & Security. Click Windows Security in the left panel and click Open Windows Security button in the right window to open it.

How do I turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11?

For Windows 11, you can press Windows + I, click Privacy & Security on the left and click Windows Security on the right, and click Open Windows Security to open it.

Way 4. Access Windows Defender from Control Panel

  • Press Windows + R, type control panel, and press Enter to open Control Panel.
  • Click System and Security and click Windows Defender Firewall to open its settings.

Way 5. Open Windows Defender in Windows 10/11 from the system tray

If you see a Windows Defender icon in the system tray, you can double-click it to open Windows Defender in Windows 10/11. If you don’t see the icon, it means you don’t enable Windows Defender on your computer. Check how to enable or disable Windows Defender below.

How to Enable/Disable Windows Defender in Windows 11/10

  • Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
  • Click Privacy & Security in the left panel. For Windows 10, click Update & security.
  • Click Windows Security on the right.
  • Click Open Windows Security.
  • In the Windows Security app, you can select Virus & threat protection and click Manage settings on the right. Then you can toggle the switch on or off under Real-time protection to enable or disable Windows Defender in Windows 11 or 10.
  • If you want, you can also adjust other Windows Defender settings like firewall & network protection, account protection, app & browser control, device security, view protection history, etc.
How do I turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11?

Related: Is Windows Defender Enough to Protect Your Computer?

If you need to recover data from Windows 11/10 computer or other storage devices, you can try MiniTool Power Data Recovery.

About The Author

How do I turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11?

Position: Columnist

Alisa is a professional English editor with 4-year experience. She loves writing and focuses on sharing detailed solutions and thoughts for computer problems, data recovery & backup, digital gadgets, tech news, etc. Through her articles, users can always easily get related problems solved and find what they want. In spare time, she likes basketball, badminton, tennis, cycling, running, and singing. She is very funny and energetic in life, and always brings friends lots of laughs.

Does Windows 11 have defender?

Microsoft Defender which is built into the Windows 11 provides you a comprehensive and strong protection against malwares and it is free. We recommend users to use it as their default Anti-Malware program.

How do I turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Open the Windows Security app by searching the start menu for Security, and then selecting Windows Security. Select the Virus & threat protection tile (or the shield icon on the left menu bar). Select Virus & threat protection settings. Toggle the Real-time protection switch to On.

How do I change my antivirus Settings on Windows 11?

Select Start and type "Windows Security" to search for that app. Select the Windows Security app from the search results, go to Virus & threat protection, and under Virus & threat protection settings select Manage settings. Switch Real-time protection to Off. Note that scheduled scans will continue to run.

Why can't I open Windows Defender in Windows 11?

Windows Defender won't open in Windows 11 problem can sometimes occur due to the missing or corrupted files on the machine. You can experience additional issues because of the missing system data or components that were needed for the upgrade of the operating system.