Upon clicking the Tools button within the top of the screen, you will be brought to a new screen where you can see all of Windows® Defender's Tools and Settings. Here the fields are broken down to;
- General Settings - Choose how you want Windows® Defender to run
- Microsoft SpyNet - Join the online community that helps identify and stop spyware infections
- Quarantined Items - View or restore software programs that have been removed from your PC
- Software Explorer - View and modify settings that are normally hidden or difficult to change
- Allowed Items - View or change software programs that you allowed
- Windows® Defender Website - Get more tools and the latest security information online
Settings
General Settings
Here you can make the following changes to settings.
- Automatic Scanning - Setup your PC to be automatically scanned by Windows® Defender at the time and frequency you decide.
- Default Actions - Set the action that will be taken once anything from "Low alert items" to "High alert items"
- Real-Time Protection Options - Real-time protection alerts you when spyware and other potentially unwanted software attempts to install itself or run
on your computer. You are also alerted if programs attempt to change important Windows® settings. You choose the software and settings that you want Windows®
Defender to monitor, but we recommend that you use all of the real-time protection options (also called agents).
- Auto Start - Monitors lists of programs that are allowed to automatically run when you start your computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can be set to run automatically when Windows® starts. That way, they can run without your knowledge and collect information. They can also make your computer start or run slowly.
- System Configuration (settings) - Monitors security-related settings in Windows®. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can change hardware and software security settings, and then collect information that can be used to further undermine your computer's security.
- Internet Explorer Add-ons - Monitors programs that automatically run when you start Internet Explorer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can masquerade as web browser add-ons and run without your knowledge.
- Internet Explorer Configurations (settings) - Monitors browser security settings, which are your first line of defense against harmful content on the Internet. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can try to change these settings without your knowledge.
- Internet Explorer Downloads - Monitors files and programs that are designed to work with Internet Explorer, such as ActiveX controls and software installation programs. These files can be downloaded, installed, or run by the browser itself. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can be included with these files and installed without your knowledge.
- Services and Drivers - Monitors services and drivers as they interact with Windows® and your programs. Because services and drivers perform essential computer functions (such as allowing devices to work with your computer), they have access to important software in the operating system. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can use services and drivers to gain access to your computer or to try to run undetected on your computer like normal operating system components.
- Application Execution - Monitors when programs start and any operations they perform while running. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can use vulnerabilities in programs that you have installed to run harmful or unwanted software without your knowledge. For example, spyware can run itself in the background when you start a program that you frequently use. Windows® Defender monitors your programs and alerts you if suspicious activity is detected.
- Application Registration - Monitors tools and files in the operating system where programs can register to run at any time, not just when you start Windows® or another program. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can register a program to start without notice and run, for example, at a scheduled time each day. This allows the program to collect information about you or your computer or gain access to important software in the operating system without your knowledge.
- Windows® Add-ons - Monitors add-on programs (also known as software utilities) for Windows®. Add-ons are designed to enhance your computing experience in areas such as security, browsing, productivity, and multi-media. However, add-ons can also install programs that will collect information about you or your online activities and expose sensitive, personal information, often to advertisers.
- Advanced Options - Option to scan within archives and to use heuristics to detect suspicious files.
- Administrator Options - Setting admin options with regards to Windows® Defenders abilities.
Microsoft SpyNet
Click here to view and/or sign up for the two different memberships of Microsoft SpyNet. You can choose between basic and advanced membership.
Tools
Quarantined Items
Here you can view or restore software programs that have been removed from your PC.
Software Explorer
View and modify settings that are normally hidden or difficult to change. The four options are;
- Startup Programs - Programs that run automatically when you start Windows®, with or without your knowledge.
- Currently Running Programs - Programs that are currently running onscreen or in the background.
- Network Connected Programs - Programs or processes that can connect to the Internet or to your home or office network.
- Winsock Service Providers - Programs that perform low-level networking and communication services for Windows® and programs that run on Windows®. These programs often have access to important areas of the operating system.
Allowed Items
View and software programs that you allowed.
Windows® Defender Website
Get more tools and the latest security information online.
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