Finally, there’s the Windows Defender Offline scan that shuts down your computer and scans your device particularly for pernicious malware that other scans are unlikely to find. You can also choose a custom scan to check specific files or folders. There’s a longer full scan section that checks all files and programs on your hard disk. You can run a quick scan to search the most common places that viruses and malware are likely to hide.

The current version allows you to run four different kinds of scans, all of which are pretty standard for antivirus. In earlier versions, built-in security for Windows just did its job in the background. The Virus & threat protection is where Microsoft has really filled out its antivirus chops, and its AV program is still known as Windows Defender. It has seven sections: Virus & threat protection, Account protection, Firewall & network protection, App & browser control, Device security, Device performance & health, and Family options.

Windows Security is a very basic utility. But Microsoft is constantly beefing up its security, pushing Windows Defender updates, and even introducing anti-ransomware measures. Windows PCs have fallen prey to far more malware than Macs in the recent past, including ransomware, spyware, botnets, and good old-fashioned viruses. For malware authors, Windows provides a massive playing field. With a large number of Windows-based personal computers on the market, hackers historically have targeted these systems the most. Windows always comes in last in the security world for a number of reasons, mainly because of the adoption rate of consumers. The security of an operating system can depend to a large degree on the size of its installed base. But the popularity of Windows is a problem in itself. The latest Windows 10 operating system is now the most popular desktop OS in the world, finally beating Windows 7’s market share according to Net Applications. Microsoft finished 2018 as the world’s most valuable company, but it also passed an important milestone for Windows.

Automatically compress system files to reduce the storage footprint.

Multifactor authentication technology for higher security like BIN, PIN, Fingerprint recognition, etc.

Two separate user interfaces, one for mouse and keyboard, and the ‘Tablet Mode’ designed for touchscreens.

The Task View feature lets the users switch between multiple workspaces at once, by displaying all the open Windows.

A robust User Interface which helps in easier navigation, with a start menu on the left side by listing out options and representing applications.

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