How to tell if Windows Defender is installed on your computer?

Hi Jerry. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

I would uninstall any 3rd party antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features and try running only built-in Defender which gives adequate protection, best Windows performance, least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best.

After uninstalling antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, run any additional removal tool for it that's listed here:
https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/an...

Restart the PC, then type Security in Start Search, open Windows Defender Settings, there and in Windows Defender Security Center fix anything that's flagged.

If you want the best on-demand scanner download and install Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/
In it's Settings > Protection > Scan Options enable Scan for Rootkits.
Then on Scan tab choose Threat Scan and Run Scan.
Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can disable its Real Time trial version in it's Settings > Accounts tab.

Next check for damaged System Files: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-scannow...
If it cannot repair them see Step 10 here to continue: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If problems still persist then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m..., open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to choose if I resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

One other thing . . . Is Windows Defender Free?

Hi,

Windows Defender is included in Windows 10 and is a full antivirus. To use it you will need to uninstall McAfee.

How to uninstall McAfee Windows security software using the Consumer Products Removal tool
https://service.mcafee.com/webcenter/portal/cp/home/articleview?locale=en-US&articleId=TS101331&fromSearch=true&platform=&_afrLoop=1310321008266208#!%40%40%3F_afrLoop%3D1310321008266208%26articleId%3DTS101331%26centerWidth%3D100%2525%26fromSearch%3Dtrue%26leftWidth%3D0%2525%26locale%3Den-US%26platform%3D%26rightWidth%3D0%2525%26showFooter%3Dfalse%26showHeader%3Dfalse%26_adf.ctrl-state%3Dlebzqc6om_98

List of anti-malware program cleanup/uninstall tools
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/wiki/mse-protect_start/list-of-anti-malware-product-removal-tools/2bcb53f7-7ab4-4ef9-ab3a-6aebfa322f75

Uninstallers (removal tools) for common antivirus software
http://kb.eset.com/esetkb/index?page=content&id=SOLN146 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you need to check for malware here are my recommendations - these will allow you to do a thorough check and removal without ending up with a load of spyware programs running resident which can cause as many issues as the malware and maybe harder to detect as the cause.

No one program can be relied upon to detect and remove all malware. Added that often easy to detect malware is often accompanied by a much harder to detect and remove payload. So its better to be overly thorough now than to pay the high price later. Check with these to an extreme overkill point.

How do I find and remove a virus?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/how-find-remove-virus

TDSSKiller.exe. - Download to the Desktop - then go to it and Right Click on it - RUN AS ADMIN it will show any infections in the report after running - if it will not run change the name from tdsskiller.exe to tdsskiller.com. Whether it finds anything or not does not mean you should not check with the other methods below.
http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/solutions?qid=208280684

Microsoft Safety Scanner
http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Malwarebytes - free
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free

SuperAntiSpyware Portable Scanner - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/portablescanner.html?tag=SAS_HOMEPAGE

AdwCleaner
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

Hitman Pro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have taken (such as anti virus software, firewalls, etc.).
http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

EmsiSoft Emergency Kit - Free - (if prompted do not install their software however do allow it to unpack the downloaded ZIP file so you can run the scanner).
https://www.emsisoft.com/en/home/emergencykit/

What is Windows Defender Offline?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/what-is-windows-defender-offline

Windows Defender Offline system requirements
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-defender-offline-system-requirements

--------------------------------------------------------

If needed here are some online free scanners to help

http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/

----------------------------------

Other Free online scans
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=antivirus+free+online+scan&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g1

Hope this helps.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows and Devices for IT : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

Yes, it is included in Windows 10 at no extra charge.

Rob

It is free and all you need besides it is Malwarebytes.

Thanks . . . I do have, Windows Defender. It's in the "Start Menu".

Is, their anyway, to put a shortcut, on my Taskbar

And, do, I get a text, message, or something? Giving me the results , 

of what it's done. or finds?

If, none of these. At least, I know, it's there. Thanks for reading - Jerry

Go All apps, right  click on Windows Security, click on More, Pin to taskbar.

When you click on it  click on Virus & threat protection.  There you can do a quick scan and see the results when done.

Hi,

You already have an easy to use Icon on the Taskbar's Notification area (little up arrow near the clock).

Rob

Thanks to all . . . I do have a shortcut, on my taskbar . . . For "Windows Security"

I want a shortcut. on my taskbar for, "Windows Defender".

It's on the "Start Menu". I wanted to have that,, on my taskbar . . .

That way, I'd have both, "Windows Security" and "Windows Defender" on my taskbar.

Side by Side, would be nice! Thanks for reading . . . Jerry

Windows Security and Windows Defender are one and the same.