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How To Active Microsoft Defender Step by Step Guideline

This document provides a step-by-step guide on how to activate Microsoft Defender Antivirus on both new and old computers, emphasizing its importance as the recommended antivirus for students. It includes instructions on checking if Microsoft Defender is running, uninstalling any conflicting antivirus software, and configuring Microsoft Defender settings. Additionally, it offers contact information for technical support related to antivirus queries.

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tseisimoleboheng
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38 views10 pages

How To Active Microsoft Defender Step by Step Guideline

This document provides a step-by-step guide on how to activate Microsoft Defender Antivirus on both new and old computers, emphasizing its importance as the recommended antivirus for students. It includes instructions on checking if Microsoft Defender is running, uninstalling any conflicting antivirus software, and configuring Microsoft Defender settings. Additionally, it offers contact information for technical support related to antivirus queries.

Uploaded by

tseisimoleboheng
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Step-by-step guide on how to

activate Microsoft Defender for


new or old computers
ICT Student Technical Support Services
Microsoft Defender Antivirus (formerly known as Windows Defender) is the SMU Microsoft Licensed
Antivirus recommended for student use. The aim is to keep your PC safe with built-in, real-time
protection against viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other security threats.

1. How to check if Microsoft Defender is running


The first thing is to check whether Microsoft Defender is on or off. To do so, go to notifications area
along the Taskbar then click on the upwards-pointing arrow icon.

The Microsoft Defender icon will appear with a red cross (X) if it's been turned off and should have a
green tick (if everything is running fine) or a yellow caution (if it's running with misconfigurations or
errors. See section 3 below).

Microsoft Defender Icon Notification Area

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


1
If you can’t find Microsoft Defender on the notification area. Press the Windows button on your
keyboard and in the Search box type in “security” and then click on Windows Security.

This will take you to the Microsoft Defender home screen.

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


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Notice: You can't activate Microsoft Defender Antivirus if your device has a non-Microsoft antivirus
product that is providing real-time protection from malware.

2. Uninstalling any other installed antivirus on your PC:

Windows Button

Press the Windows button on your keyboard and on the Search box type in “Control Panel” and
then click on open.

Search box

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


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From the control panel, click on “Programs – Uninstall a program”.

Look for any antivirus installed and then click on any one of them, right click then click uninstall.

“Remember the aim is to remove/uninstall the installed antivirus/es because you are not supposed to
have more than one antivirus on your machine as this will cause conflicts and reduce the performance
of your machine, or cause it to be vulnerable to threats or even crash”.

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


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Click on uninstall/change from the options shown. Make sure to agree to the popup window that
follows from uninstalling an application.

Make sure to select all the options of removing the files that accompany the antivirus being
uninstalled. Thereafter click on remove.

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


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Note: Antiviruses may vary. Some instead of displaying “Remove”, they could simply state
“Uninstall”.

Then thereafter, the antivirus will be successfully uninstalled. Repeat the same process if you have
any other installed software on your PC and you no longer want it.

From here onwards, after uninstalling any other installed antivirus, Microsoft Defender will be
activate as the default antivirus protecting your PC.

3. Further configuration for Microsoft Defender


Ideally the Microsoft Defender icon in the Notification area should have a green checkmark if
everything is configured correctly and running fine. If you see a yellow/amber caution/exclamation
mark, you should follow these steps to address it.

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


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At the bottom on the taskbar, click on the arrow pointing up and then click on the shield icon that
has a warning sign beside it. This will take you to the Microsoft Defender settings

From the settings, kindly click on “Turn on” under Virus & threat protection (This is the most
important option to turn on!).

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


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From there on, you can sign in with your Microsoft account details (i.e., your SMU Microsoft 365
credentials) under Account Protection. This is the recommended option. . If you are using a loan
laptop, you are advised to simply dismiss this option.

For antivirus related queries you can visit the ICT Student Technical Support Services (STSS) office at
NSB Building next to Van Schaik

OR

Email: [email protected] | Contact: 012 521 5988/5768

Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers


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Step-by-Step on how to activate Microsoft Defender for new or old computers
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