Prevention Tips

Windows Defender has an option to automatically check for new definitions. To turn on the option to automatically check for new definitions, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Defender.
2. Click Tools, and then click Options.
3. Under Automatic scanning, click to select the Automatically scan my computer check box.
4. Click to select the Check for updated definitions before scanning check box, and then click Save. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Windows Defender works with the Windows Automatic Updates feature to automatically install the latest definitions. To turn on Automatic Updates for Windows, use one of the following methods.

Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

1. Click Start, click Run, type wuaucpl.cpl in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Click Automatic, and then click OK.

Windows Vista

1. Click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
2. Click Change settings.
3. Click Install updates automatically (recommended).
4. Under Recommended updates, click to select the Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box, and then click OK.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.