windows defender in Win7 is weak and provides basic malware protection. Microsoft security essentials, on the other hand, is a serious upgrade over win7’s defender app and provides more broader protection than just malware protection.

Besides, Where can I find Windows Defender in Windows 7?

On Windows 7:

Navigate to Control Panel and then click on “Windows Defender” to open it.

Keeping this in mind, Does Windows Defender Slow PC? Another Windows Defender feature that may be responsible for slowing down your system is its Full Scan, which performs a comprehensive check of all files on your computer. … While it is normal for antivirus programs to consume system resources when running a scan, Windows Defender is far greedier than most.

Is Windows Defender good enough 2020?

In AV-Comparatives’ July-October 2020 Real-World Protection Test, Microsoft performed decently with Defender stopping 99.5% of threats, ranking 12th out of 17 antivirus programs (achieving a robust ‘advanced+’ status).

Is Windows Defender good enough 2021?

In January 2021, AV-Test (an independent security testing lab), rated Microsoft Defender as a Top Product with a perfect 6.0 score. … Microsoft Defender provides real-time malicious threat protection, but it cannot compete with other top antivirus software.

How do I open Windows Defender Security Center in Windows 7?

Open the Windows Security app by clicking the shield icon in the task bar or searching the start menu for Defender. Select the Virus & threat protection tile (or the shield icon on the left menu bar).

How do I unblock Windows Defender in Windows 7?

Another option to re-enable Windows Defender is in the Control Panel Settings. Click the Start button and type Windows Defender, and double click the icon for Windows Defender Security Center – this might be slightly different depending on your version of Windows.

How do I know if Windows Defender is on?

Option 1: In your System tray click on the ^ to expand the running programs. If you see the shield your Windows Defender is running and active.

How do I stop my antivirus from slowing down my computer?

Change scan intensity

Some antivirus programs may allow users to change the intensity of the scan, the amount of computer memory that is used during the scan process. Adjusting the scan intensity helps prevent the computer from becoming very slow during the scan process.

How can I speed up Windows Defender?


6 Easy Ways to Boost Security in Microsoft Defender and Windows…

  1. Detect and Remove Hidden Malware. …
  2. Protect Your Files From Ransomware. …
  3. Automatically Block the Latest Malware. …
  4. Block Unrecognized and Unwanted Apps. …
  5. Configure Defender’s Firewall Settings. …
  6. Access Defender’s Advanced Settings with ConfigureDefender.

Why is my computer so slow?

A slow computer is often caused by too many programs running simultaneously, taking up processing power and reducing the PC’s performance. … Click the CPU, Memory, and Disk headers to sort the programs that are running on your computer by how much of your computer’s resources they are taking.

Do you need antivirus software if you have Windows Defender?

Windows Defender scans a user’s email, internet browser, cloud, and apps for the above cyberthreats. However, Windows Defender lacks endpoint protection and response, as well as automated investigation and remediation, so more antivirus software is necessary.

Is Windows Defender enough for virus protection?

Yes. If Windows Defender detects malware, it will remove it from your PC. … If you’re looking for the best malware protection and internet security tools, a premium antivirus like Norton or Bitdefender is much more capable.

Is Windows Defender as good as AVG?

Windows Defender is better than nothing, but AVG’s premium options are much more comprehensive in terms of advanced features and utilities. … AVG is the overall winner as it offers more security-enhancing features and utilities in its security suites than Windows Defender.

Do I need antivirus if I have Windows Defender?

Windows Defender scans a user’s email, internet browser, cloud, and apps for the above cyberthreats. However, Windows Defender lacks endpoint protection and response, as well as automated investigation and remediation, so more antivirus software is necessary.

Is AVG better than Windows Defender?

Key Features Compared

Both options offer good basic protection from malware, and AVG has some nice add-ons for those who want to pay for more functions. If you’re happy with the basic protection features that come with a free antivirus, Windows Defender is perfect.

How do I access Microsoft Defender Security Center?

By default, MSSP customers access their Microsoft 365 Defender tenant through the following URL: https://securitycenter.windows.com/ .

How do I access Windows Defender security center?

Open the Windows Defender Security Center by clicking the shield icon in the task bar or searching the start menu for Defender. Click the Virus & threat protection tile (or the shield icon on the left menu bar).

How do I access Windows Security Center?

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings. Tap or click Update & Security category. On the left pane of the window, select Windows Security. On the right pane, click or tap Open Windows Security.

How do I unblock Windows Defender?


How to open a file blocked by Windows Defender SmartScreen

  1. Navigate to the file or program that’s being blocked by SmartScreen.
  2. Right-click the file.
  3. Click Properties.
  4. Click the checkbox next to Unblock so that a checkmark appears.
  5. Click Apply.

How do I unlock Windows Defender?


To enable Windows Defender

  1. Click the windows logo. …
  2. Scroll down and click Windows Security to open the application.
  3. On the Windows Security screen, check if any antivirus program has been installed and running in your computer. …
  4. Click on Virus & threat protection as shown.
  5. Next, select Virus & threat protection icon.

Why is my Windows Defender disabled?

If Windows Defender is turned off, this may be because you have another antivirus app installed on your machine (check Control Panel, System and Security, Security and Maintenance to make sure). You should turn off and uninstall this app before running Windows Defender to avoid any software clashes.

Does Windows Defender run automatically?

Automatic Scans

Like other anti-malware applications, Windows Defender automatically runs in the background, scanning files when they are accessed and before user open them. When a malware is detected, Windows Defender inform you.

How do I turn on my Windows Defender?


Turn on real-time and cloud-delivered protection

  1. Select the Start menu.
  2. In the search bar, type Windows Security. …
  3. Select Virus & threat protection.
  4. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
  5. Flip each switch under Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection to turn them on.

How do I turn on Windows Defender in Windows 10?


To enable Windows Defender

  1. Click the windows logo. …
  2. Scroll down and click Windows Security to open the application.
  3. On the Windows Security screen, check if any antivirus program has been installed and running in your computer. …
  4. Click on Virus & threat protection as shown.
  5. Next, select Virus & threat protection icon.