How do I know if I have Microsoft Defender Web protection? I have a Windows 11 computer. When I look at my security in the control panel it says web protection is not on it says Web protection is not

Hello, T Cunningham31

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Web protection can be confusing because it is not a standalone toggle, but rather relies on other settings. If you have SmartScreen or Cloud Protection turned off, this will disable Web protection.In addition, if you have other antivirus software installed, it may also disable Microsoft's antivirus settings.

I will now outline the steps to check your network protection. Please open Windows Security and navigate to Virus and Threat Protection. Look for the 'Manage Settings' link under Virus and Threat Protection Settings. Ensure that 'Real-time protection' and 'Cloud-provided protection' are turned on, as these two options relate to web protection.

Additionally, under 'App and browser controls', the 'Reputation-based protection' section includes settings for checking apps and files, the Edge Smart Screen and the Store App Smart Screen. These are all part of web protection.If you would like to know how to check, kindly refer to the following steps.

1. Open the Windows Security app: Press Windows + S, type Windows Security, and select it.
2. Navigate to App & Browser Control:
   • In the left sidebar, click App & browser control.
   • Under Reputation-based protection, check the following:
     • Check apps and files: Ensure it’s set to Block or Warn.
     • Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge: Enable this for web protection in Edge.
     • SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps: Enable this for app protection. As shown here:
     • 
   • If any of these are off, toggle them On.
3. Verify Web Protection in Virus & Threat Protection:Web protection is also tied to real-time scanning and network protection:
   1. In the Windows Security app, go to Virus & threat protection.
   2. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
   3. Ensure the following are enabled:
      • Real-time protection
      • Cloud-delivered protection
      • Automatic sample submission
      • Tamper Protection (to prevent unauthorized changes). As shown here:
   4. 
4. Browser-Specific Settings:
   • Microsoft Edge: Defender’s SmartScreen is built-in. Ensure it’s enabled in Edge settings:
     • Open Edge → Settings → Privacy, Search, and Services → Enable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.
   • 

If you still see "Web protection is not on," Please check on the mobile side, whether the mobile device also has Microsoft Defender installed but with web protection turned off, if yes, please share the details with me which will help us to explore how to proceed next.

Let me know if you need further help!

Best Regards,

Hannah.Z- MSFT |Microsoft Community Support Specialist

I wouldnt rely on Defender, but would buy a branded AV/Security utility