Windows Defender

What is Windows Defender?

A software that is New on Windows Vista that is pre-installed on your PC and provides always-on protection that monitors key system locations, watching for changes that signal the presence of spyware.

With Superior scanning and removal technologies use up-to-date spyware definitions created by Microsoft, with help from Windows Defender users who submit reports of potential new spyware.

Windows Defender is fairly simple to use and comes with preconfigured settings, with common tasks such as scanning, blocking, and removing unwanted software are easier than ever, and a Software Explorer helps you understand which software and services are running on your computer and stops or disables “rogue” software. Windows Defender automatically handles many common tasks and interrupts or alerts you only in the case of serious issues that require immediate action.

Windows Defender is available for both Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista. Windows Defender and its associated definition updates are also available on an ongoing basis as free stand-alone downloads for customers using Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000 who validate their software through the Windows Genuine Advantage program.
Spyware protection

To help protect your data and your computer, Windows Defender depends on three key technologies: scanning and removal of spyware, real-time protection, and ongoing updates.
Scanning for and removing spyware

Windows Defender notifies you of any spyware it discovers.

• Ignore: No action is taken, but the potential threat will continue to be detected in future scans.
• Quarantine: Backs up the software in a safe location and then removes it. This prevents the software from running, but it can be restored if needed.
• Remove: Deletes the software from the computer entirely.
• Always Allow: Adds the software to the Allowed items list. It will not be detected in future scans.