What’s yesterday’s spyware protection has now become an even better security and protection for your computer. We’re talking about Windows Defender. It first made its debut in 2006 and since then, Microsoft has made it even better, making Windows 10 even more secure not just from internet threats, but also from viruses and malware.
To keep your Windows 10 running free from all the bad things that can harm it, there are other precautions and actions you can do to further safety and security. This includes the free tools that you can download to prevent computer or data damage, the kind of damage that can occur on a laptop and require laptop repair in order to fix.
First up is the trusty Windows Defender. If you have turned on your Windows Defender, it automatically runs a security check in the background to make sure everything is safe and sound. But if you want to double-check, you can always run a scan.
Select ‘Quick’ and press ‘Scan now’ to sweep your files and folders. For a deeper scan select ‘Full’.
(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/internet/how-to-protect-windows-10-from-viruses-for-free-1310440)
Scan a specific folder if you don’t want either Quick or Full scans.
If you want more control over what Windows Defender scans select ‘Custom’, then click ‘Scan now’. A window will appear with a list of hard drives you can choose to scan.
If you want to scan one, check the box (all sub folders included will be ticked as well). If you want to go deeper, click the ‘+’ symbol to view the folders on each drive, allowing you to customise what scans.
(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/internet/how-to-protect-windows-10-from-viruses-for-free-1310440)
If there is one thing you need to know about viruses, it’s that they keep up with technology. Always update Windows Defender.
The reality is new threats regularly crop up, which means its essential Windows Defender is kept updated so it has the tools to combat the latest attacks.
You can manually update Windows Defender, or check it is updated, by clicking ‘Update’. However, it’s best to update automatically, and by default its updates will be included with Windows 10 updates.
(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/internet/how-to-protect-windows-10-from-viruses-for-free-1310440)
View quarantined files before taking any actions.
When Windows Defender finds an infected file it quarantines it, so you can safely check the file before deleting it. Sometimes quarantined files are, in fact, harmless.
To check quarantined files, click the ‘History Tab’ in Windows Defender, then click ‘View Files’. If you think it is a virus, click ‘Remove all’, if not select ‘Allow item’ – but only if you’re sure it’s safe.
(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/internet/how-to-protect-windows-10-from-viruses-for-free-1310440)
For increased control, go to Settings.
For even more control over how Windows Defender operates, click ‘Settings’. This gives you access to further advanced settings. You can turn real-time protection and cloud-based protection on and off (though we’d recommend leaving both on), and you can add exclusions.
If you are certain a file is not a virus, add it here and the scanning process will speed up.
(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/internet/how-to-protect-windows-10-from-viruses-for-free-1310440)
We all want options options. So if you want a different protection for your computer, Avast can be a great option.
Windows Defender is good, but for even more security there are alternatives you can install. Windows Defender will pause if you install another antivirus, so no conflicts will occur.
Avast Free Antivirus is a popular free anti-virus software alternative. If you want more tools there are paid versions that offer additional features.
(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/internet/how-to-protect-windows-10-from-viruses-for-free-1310440)
And of course, you have to be cautious with what websites to visit, files to download and open, and external storage devices to connect in your computer.
The best way to keep your PC safe is by following some best-practice advice. Be wary of sites you’ve not visited before, and take notice of pop-up adverts that appear. While most are safe, some will try to trick you into downloading files.
Be careful opening attachments sent via email or instant messaging, especially if you don’t know the sender. If something seems too good to be true, there’s a reason.
(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/internet/how-to-protect-windows-10-from-viruses-for-free-1310440)
Viruses can harm the files and data on your computer. If this happens and you experience data loss, give us a call.