How do I know if I have Windows Defender on Windows 10?

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Does Windows 10 automatically have Windows Defender?
How do I know if I have Windows Defender antivirus?
Is Windows Defender automatically on?

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How to Find the Microsoft Defender Version Installed in Windows 10

September 18, 2019
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There are times when it is important to determine what version of Microsoft Defender is currently installed in Windows 10 so you can diagnose a problem or determine if you have the latest version installed.

Unfortunately, Microsoft does not make it very clear how to find this information. This tutorial aims to clear up that confusion.

To find the version number for the installed Microsoft Defender in Windows 10, please follow these steps:

From the Start Menu, search for Windows Security and click on the result when it appears as shown below.
Searching for Windows Security
When Windows Security opens, click on the Settings gear at the bottom left of the Window as indicated by the arrow in the image below.
Windows Security Screen
When the Settings screen opens, click on the About link as shown below.
Windows Security Settings Screen
The Windows Security About page will now be open and will show the Antimalware Client Version (Microsoft Defender version), the Engine version (Scanning Engine), the Antivirus version (Virus definitions), and the Antispyware version (Spyware definitions).
The Windows Security About page showing version info
When done using this page, you can simply close the Window.

For most users, the Antimalware Client version is what you are looking for as it will indicate the overall version for Microsoft Defender installed in Windows.

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Does Windows 10 automatically have Windows Defender?

In Windows 10, version 1703 and later, the Windows Defender app is part of the Windows Security. Settings that were previously part of the Windows Defender client and main Windows Settings have been combined and moved to the new app, which is installed by default as part of Windows 10, version 1703.

How do I know if I have Windows Defender antivirus?

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection > Manage settings. (In early versions of Windows 10, select Virus & threat protection > Virus & threat protection settings.)

Is Windows Defender automatically on?

As explained by Microsoft Support, Windows Defender is designed to protect your computer against malware and other threats. So if you do not have an antivirus program installed on your computer, Windows Defender will automatically turn on even if you have turned off real-time protection.