Welcome to our article about Windows Defender on Windows 8.1! In this article, we will explore what Windows Defender is, how it works, and whether it provides the same level of protection as other anti-virus programs. We will also take a look at how to scan files, folders, and drives in Windows 8 using Windows Defender.
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is an anti-virus software built into Windows 8.1. It is designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other malicious software. It replaces Microsoft Security Essentials, which was included in earlier versions of Windows.
Windows Defender runs in the background and periodically scans your computer for threats. It also has real-time protection, which means it can detect and remove malware in real-time as you use your computer.
How does Windows Defender work?
Windows Defender uses various technologies to protect your computer from threats. These technologies include:
- Virus scanning: Windows Defender scans files, folders, and drives on your computer for viruses and other malicious software. It uses a virus definition database to identify threats.
- Behavioral analysis: Windows Defender monitors your computer’s behavior for unusual activity. If it detects something suspicious, it can alert you and take appropriate action.
- Real-time protection: Windows Defender actively monitors your computer in real-time for threats. It can detect and remove malware as you use your computer.
- Network inspection: Windows Defender can inspect network traffic for signs of malware. This can help prevent malware from entering your computer via the network.
- SmartScreen: Windows Defender includes a feature called SmartScreen, which helps protect you from phishing websites and malicious downloads. When you visit a website or download a file, SmartScreen checks it against a list of known threats. If it detects something suspicious, it can warn you or block the download.
Does Windows Defender provide the same level of protection as other anti-virus programs?
Windows Defender provides basic protection for your computer. It can detect and remove many types of malware, including viruses, spyware, and rootkits. However, it may not be as effective as other anti-virus programs in detecting and removing all types of malware.
Independent tests have shown that Windows Defender is not the best at detecting and removing malware. In one test by AV-TEST, an independent testing lab, Windows Defender detected only 95.6% of known malware samples, compared to an industry average of 99.6%. In another test by SE Labs, Windows Defender detected only 88% of malware samples, compared to an industry average of 95%.
Despite these results, Windows Defender can still provide adequate protection for your computer. If you practice safe browsing habits and avoid downloading and installing suspicious software, you may not need a more advanced anti-virus program.
How to Scan File/Folder/Drive in Windows 8 using Windows Defender
Scanning files, folders, and drives in Windows 8 using Windows Defender is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Windows Defender. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + S, typing “Windows Defender” in the search bar, and then clicking on the app.
- Select the type of scan you want to run. Windows Defender offers three types of scans: Quick scan, Full scan, and Custom scan.
- If you choose a Quick scan, Windows Defender will scan the most common areas of your computer where viruses and other malicious software are known to hide. This typically includes the active processes on your computer, the Windows registry, and the most common folders where malware is known to reside.
- If you choose a Full scan, Windows Defender will scan your entire computer, including all files, folders, and drives. This can take several hours, depending on the size of your hard drive.
- If you choose a Custom scan, you can select which files, folders, and drives you want to scan.
- Click the “Scan now” button to start the scan.
If Windows Defender detects any threats during the scan, it will alert you and provide options for removing or quarantining the threat.
FAQ
1. Can I use Windows Defender with another anti-virus program?
No, you should not use Windows Defender with another anti-virus program. Running two anti-virus programs at the same time can cause conflicts and reduce the effectiveness of both programs. If you want to use another anti-virus program, you should first disable Windows Defender.
2. Can I trust Windows Defender to protect my computer?
While Windows Defender may not be the best anti-virus program on the market, it can still provide adequate protection for your computer. However, it is important to remember that no anti-virus program can protect you from all threats. To ensure the best protection for your computer, you should practice safe browsing habits and avoid downloading and installing suspicious software.
Video Tutorial
For those who prefer a visual guide, here’s a video tutorial on how to use Windows Defender on Windows 8.1:
