How to Verify Microsoft Defender Status on Windows

Verify your PC security status by checking Microsoft Defender settings. Follow these steps to ensure real-time protection is active and updated.

1. Open Windows Security. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type Windows Security. Select the app from the search results to launch the security dashboard.
2. Access Virus & threat protection. Click on Virus & threat protection in the left-hand menu or the main dashboard icons. This section displays your current protection summary.
3. Verify real-time protection. Look for the Manage settings link under the Virus & threat protection settings header. Ensure the toggle for Real-time protection is set to On.
4. Check for security intelligence updates. Return to the Virus & threat protection screen and click Protection updates. Select Check for updates to ensure your threat definitions are current.
5. Confirm device health status. Navigate to Device performance & health in the main menu. A green checkmark indicates that there are no issues with security services or system drivers.