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Which Microsoft Defender does this guide cover?
Here, “Microsoft Defender” means the built-in Windows Security experience and Microsoft Defender Antivirus settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is not the separate Microsoft Defender app offered with some Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Windows Security brings together antivirus, firewall, and app and browser protections, among other device-security controls. Microsoft describes Windows Security and its protections here.
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To begin, open Start, search for Windows Security, and open the app. Go to Virus & threat protection for the antivirus settings below, or App & browser control for reputation and app controls. Labels and availability can vary by Windows version and device policy; some pages or features may be unavailable on organization-managed devices.
Check whether Tamper Protection is on
Tamper Protection helps prevent malicious apps from changing important Microsoft Defender Antivirus settings, including real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection. An administrator can still change settings in Windows Security while Tamper Protection is enabled; other apps cannot make those changes. Microsoft explains Tamper Protection and related antivirus settings.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
- Open Windows Security from Start.
- Select Virus & threat protection, then Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
- Find Tamper Protection and review its state. If the control is available and off, turn it on unless your organization’s administrator manages the setting.
Consider Controlled folder access for important files
Controlled folder access helps stop unknown or untrusted apps from changing files in protected folders. Microsoft lists common folders such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop; you can also add folders. It is a safeguard for file changes, not a replacement for keeping another copy of important files.
Turn it on and handle blocks carefully
- In Windows Security, open Virus & threat protection.
- Under Ransomware protection, select Manage ransomware protection.
- Turn on Controlled folder access, if the option is available.
- Use your usual apps and workflows. If an app is blocked, first verify that it is the expected program and that you launched it from the expected location.
- If the app is trusted and needs to change protected files, use Allow an app through Controlled folder access to grant access. Allow only apps you trust, and only when needed.
An allowed app can access protected folders, so a compromised app could put those files at risk. Microsoft’s instructions for Controlled folder access and allowing an app explain the setting and its implications. The setting may introduce friction for apps that need to write to protected folders.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Review reputation-based protection and PUA blocking
Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are not necessarily malware. Microsoft says they can show unwanted ads, slow a PC, or offer additional software. Windows’ reputation-based protection includes controls for blocking potentially unwanted apps and downloads. Microsoft recommends enabling app and download blocking in its Windows 10 PUA configuration guidance.
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Check the setting rather than presuming it is off: Microsoft says PUA blocking has been on by default since early August 2021. Download blocking works with Microsoft Edge; app blocking can detect a PUA that is already downloaded or installed. Microsoft’s PUA support page describes the protections.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
- Open Windows Security and select App & browser control.
- Open Reputation-based protection settings.
- Review the potentially unwanted app blocking controls and enable the app and download options if they are available and not already on.
Understand Smart App Control on Windows 11
Smart App Control is a Windows 11 feature, not a general Windows 10 setting. It uses a cloud-powered service to assess apps: apps judged safe can run, while apps judged malicious or potentially unwanted can be blocked. If the service cannot make a confident prediction, it checks the app’s signature and blocks an unsigned or invalidly signed app. See Microsoft’s overview of App & browser control and Smart App Control.
Because Smart App Control can prevent an app from running, it may affect compatibility with software it blocks. Review the available setting in Windows Security > App & browser control and consider the trade-off before changing it. Do not treat it as interchangeable with PUA blocking: the controls assess and block apps in different ways.
Rank #4
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T120. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T120 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-C port : Insert the T120 security key into the USB-C port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
Know where the other Windows Security controls fit
Windows Security’s overview includes separate areas with different jobs. They are not one combined switch, and enabling one does not configure the others.
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|---|---|---|
| Virus & threat protection | Microsoft Defender Antivirus settings, including Tamper Protection and Controlled folder access | Windows Security > Virus & threat protection |
| App & browser control | SmartScreen, exploit protection, and PUA controls; Smart App Control is a Windows 11 option | Windows Security > App & browser control |
| Firewall & network protection | Firewall settings for domain, private, and public network profiles | Windows Security > Firewall & network protection |
| Device security | A distinct area of Windows Security for device-security features | Windows Security > Device security |
| Protection history | A record of protection actions and detections | Windows Security > Protection history |
Microsoft’s Windows Security overview and App & browser control guide describe these areas. When reviewing them, focus on the job each performs—file protection, app execution and reputation, or network connections—rather than looking for a single “stronger security” switch.
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Avoid weakening antivirus protection to solve a temporary problem
Turning off real-time protection leaves files you open or download unscanned until protection returns. Exclusions are also consequential: Microsoft Defender Antivirus stops real-time scanning of the selected file, folder, file type, or process. Microsoft warns that exclusions can put device and data security at risk. Avoid disabling protection or adding an exclusion unless you understand the specific compatibility problem and the scope of what will no longer be scanned. Microsoft documents real-time protection and exclusions.
Cloud-delivered protection uses an internet connection to receive updated improvements. Automatic sample submission may send suspicious files to Microsoft for analysis. Review those options in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings if you need to understand how they are configured; their presence alone does not establish a particular detection rate or privacy outcome.
If a compatible non-Microsoft antivirus program is installed, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns off automatically. Windows Security may still provide access to other areas, but do not assume Defender Antivirus remains the active antivirus engine. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance covers how compatible antivirus software affects Defender Antivirus.
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