Keep Windows Defender definitions up to date
Windows Defender definitions are files that act like an encyclopedia of known spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Because spyware is continually being developed, Windows Defender relies on up-to-date definitions to determine if software that's trying to install itself or run on your computer is spyware or potentially unwanted software.
Windows Defender works with your Windows Update settings to automatically install the latest definitions. For more information, see Change how Windows installs or notifies you about updates.
Watch this video to learn how to keep Windows Defender definitions up to date (1:52)
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Open Windows Defender by clicking the Start button 
. In the search box, type Defender, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Defender.
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Click Tools, and then click Options.
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Under Automatic scanning, make sure the Automatically scan my computer (recommended) check box is selected.
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Select the Check for updated definitions before scanning check box, and then click Save.
If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
If you don't use scheduled scans or don't get updates automatically, you should check for new definitions at least once a week. To help protect your computer, Windows Defender will notify you if your definitions are out of date for more than seven days.
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Open Windows Defender by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Defender, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Defender.
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Click the arrow next to the Help button
, and then click
Check for updates.
