is microsoft security program "defender" all i need to run as i'm connected by ethernet through my iphone?

Question

My question has multiple layers involved. I'll number them for clarification.

Details prompting my question at the footer of this doc.

1. Is Microsoft Defender enough to protect my laptop from contracting a virus?
2. How to know (visually on screen) if Defender is running?
3. I don't know if my settings for Microsoft Defender are set properly.
4. I don't want to purchase more security contracts for this laptop. I'm working with an Hp laptop; 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1115G4 @ 3.00GHz (2.90 GHz) 8.00 GB (7.65 GB usable) 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Details: I'm running a high quality USB cable to the "c" terminal on my HP laptop as the Ethernet connection because of the bit rate transfer. Using my iphone SE 3rd gen. for internet conn.

         The virus contracted created a situation where the laptop would not accept a charge to the battery while plugged in and would sort of glitch the screen and make an audible slight screech sound and flicker the screen each time at a rate of once per second. The visual battery icon in the lower right of the screen percentage rate would drop faster than a dog chased by a long leash dragging a bail of metal pieces. 

         I would reset the laptop with the option to save my files and the laptop would restart normally after resetting and would operate seemingly perfect until i would use the internet for extended amounts of time watching tv and researching.

Hope someone can help suggest what to run to defend against snakes.

Thanks in advance,

Matt

******@outlook.com

Answer 1

Hello matthew denall,

Here are some pointers to help with your queries.

1. Is Microsoft Defender enough to protect my laptop from contracting a virus?

Yes, it is. Defender for Windows offers a lot of capabilities to keep your system protected. Refer to the following: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/stay-protected-on-windows-11-with-smart-security-features-5965fb4f-7a5a-418f-95a7-2fc2e63ecb5a

1. How to know (visually on screen) if Defender is running?

Open Settings->Privacy & Security ->Windows Security -> Virus & threat protection. If it has green tick and says "No action needed" or "Protected", it means Defender is on.

1. I don't know if my settings for Microsoft Defender are set properly.

From the same location as above, make sure required settigns are enabled like Real-Time protection, Tamper protection, etc.,

Refer to: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/mdav-scan-best-practices

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/schedule-antivirus-scans

1. I don't want to purchase more security contracts for this laptop. I'm working with an Hp laptop; 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1115G4 @ 3.00GHz (2.90 GHz) 8.00 GB (7.65 GB usable) 64-bit operating system, x64-based processorhttps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows

Windows 11 is supported.

Hope this helps!

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