In this second lesson, we’ll talk about one of the most confusing security products that comes with Windows: Windows Defender.

This product has had a bad reputation in the past and for good reason — it was very limited in its ability to protect your computer from real malware. However, the latest version included in Windows 8.x operating systems is very different from the past and provides real protection to its users. The great thing about Windows Defender in its current incarnation is that it protects your system from the start, so there’s never a gap in coverage.

We’ll start this tutorial by explaining what Windows Defender is in Windows 7 and Vista compared to what’s in Windows 8, and which product to use if you’re using an earlier version. Next, we’ll look at how to use Windows Defender, how to improve its default settings, and how to deal with the warnings it displays.

As you’ll see, Windows Defender will use your Quarantined Items List much more often than other security products. That is why we will explain in detail how to work with it and permanently remove malware or restore those elements that are only false alarms.

Finally, you’ll learn how to turn off Windows Defender if you no longer want to use it and prefer a third-party security product instead, and then how to turn it back on if you change your mind about using it. Once completed, you should have a full understanding of the default anti-malware settings on your system, or how to quickly protect your system.

What is Windows Defender?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question due to the obscure way in which Microsoft chose the name of their security products. Windows Defender is a different product, depending on the Windows operating system you are using.

If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, then Windows Defender is a security tool that protects your computer from spyware. It is just one form of malware that is made up of tools and applications that track your movements on the Internet or the actions you take on your computer. Spyware tends to send information that is collected to a remote server and it is subsequently used for all sorts of malicious purposes, from showing you unwanted ads to using your personal data, etc.

However, there are many other types of malware on the Internet, and this version of Windows Defender is unable to protect users from any of them. That’s why if you’re running Windows 7 or earlier, we highly recommend disabling Windows Defender and installing a more complete security product such as Microsoft Security Essentials, or third-party security products from specialized security vendors.

If you’re using Windows 8.x operating systems, then Windows Defender is the same as Microsoft Security Essentials: a decent security product that protects your computer in real time against viruses and spyware. The fact that this product also protects your computer from viruses and not just from spyware is of great importance. If you don’t want to pay for security products, then Windows Defender in Windows 8.x and Microsoft Security Essentials (in Windows 7 or earlier) are good alternatives.

Windows Defender in Windows 8.x and Microsoft Security Essentials are the same product, just a different name. In this tutorial, we’ll be using the Windows 8.x version of Windows Defender, but our instructions also apply to Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.