how to install windows defender

Question

how do i install windoes defender on my PC and delet norton anti virus program

Answer 1

Hello @Zig Zag ,

Thank you for posting your query on Q&A forum.

Install Windows Defender on Windows PC:

Windows Defender is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you don’t need to download or install it. You just need to enable it if it’s turned off.

Step 1: Check if Windows Defender is Already Installed

1. Open Windows Security: Press Windows + S and search for Windows Security, then open it.
2. Check for Protection: Click **"Virus & threat protection". If you see Microsoft Defender Antivirus listed and active, it’s already working.

Step 2: Enable Windows Defender (If It’s Disabled)

If you recently removed a third-party antivirus (like Norton), Defender may still be off. To re-enable it:

1. Open Settings:

• Press Windows + I >> go to Privacy & Security >> Windows Security >> Open Windows Security.

2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection: Click "Manage settings" under Virus & threat protection settings.
3. Turn On These Settings:

• Real-time protection – Toggle ON.
• Cloud-delivered protection – Toggle ON.
• Automatic sample submission – Toggle ON.

Step 3: Restart Your PC

After making changes, restart your PC to fully activate Microsoft Defender.

Optional: Set Microsoft Defender as Default

If Windows Defender doesn’t automatically become your default antivirus:

Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Default apps and check that Defender is set as your virus scanner.

Step 4: Test That It’s Working

• Go to **Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
• Click Quick Scan to ensure it’s scanning and active.

Once, the above steps are followed then, you can proceed to delete any other third-party Antivirus from the PC.

Here are the steps to completely delete Norton Antivirus from a Windows PC:

Uninstall via Windows Settings

1. Open Settings

• Press "Windows + I" or click the Start menu > Settings.

2. Go to Apps

• Click Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features in older versions).

3. Find Norton Antivirus

• Scroll or search for "Norton" (e.g., Norton Security, Norton 360).

4. Uninstall

• Click on the Norton product > click Uninstall > confirm and follow the prompts.

Restart your PC if prompted.

• Make sure you have admin rights on your PC.
• Backup any license keys or subscriptions if you plan to reinstall Norton later.

I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

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