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# How to Turn on Microsoft Defender in Windows 11
- URL: https://www.techloy.com/how-to-turn-on-microsoft-defender-in-windows-11/
- Published: 2025-05-05T15:42:35.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-05T15:42:35.000Z
- Description: It will help protect your computer from viruses and malware.
- Author: Oluwaseun Bamisile
- Tags: / Tech Guide, Windows Defender, Windows 11

If you're like me, you probably rely on Microsoft Defender to keep your PC safe from malware and other threats. Microsoft Defender is a powerful security tool that comes pre-installed on [Windows 11](https://www.techloy.com/tag/windows-11/). 

It provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other threats. Sometimes, Defender might turn itself off if another [antivirus](https://www.techloy.com/tag/antivirus/) program is installed on your PC. 

This can leave your system vulnerable, so it's important to ensure Defender is active. Fortunately, turning on Microsoft Defender is a straightforward process, and I'm here to guide you through it. 

[Tips and Tricks to Remove Malware on Your PC Without AntivirusThese essential built in function will help you keep your system clean and free of suspicious files.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-1695.png)TechloyDavid Adubiina![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1642783327432-d269921e0f20)](https://www.techloy.com/tips-and-tricks-to-remove-malware-on-your-pc-without-antivirus/)

## **Steps to Turn on Microsoft Defender**

### **Step 1: Right-click the Start button in the taskbar and select Settings. Alternatively, use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open Settings** 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/05/image-52.png)

### **Step 2: Click on "Privacy & Security" on the left pane**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/05/image-53.png)

### **Step 3: Select "Windows Security"**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/05/image-54.png)

[How to Turn Off Windows Defender on Windows 10Follow these steps to learn how to deactivate this feature when it gets a bit frustrating![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-1698.png)TechloyLouis Eriakha![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1614064642639-e398cf05badb.jpeg)](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-turn-off-windows-security/)

### **Step 4: Now, click on "Firewall & network protection"**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/05/image-55.png)

### **Step 5: Select the active network. In this case, the "Public network" is the active network**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/05/image-56.png)

### **Step 6: Toggle on the Microsoft Defender Firewall switch. Then, you will get a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want the app to make changes to your device**—**Select "Yes" to proceed** 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/05/image-57.png)

### **Step 7: Repeat steps 5 & 6 for the other networks**

### **Conclusion**

Turning on Microsoft Defender in Windows 11 is a simple process that can significantly enhance your computer's security. By following these steps, you can ensure that Defender is active and protecting your system from potential threats. Whether you're using your computer for personal or professional purposes, having a reliable antivirus solution like Microsoft Defender is essential. 

[How to Update Your Windows 11 PCMaking sure your Windows 11 is up to date is important for keeping your computer working well and safe. Microsoft regularly releases updates that bring new features, make your computer run better, and fix security issues. Updating your system helps guard against potential problems and ensures you have the latest![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-1696.png)TechloyGabriel Ojeh![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1642176849879-92f85770f212-2)](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-update-windows-11/)

*Image Credit: Oluwaseun Bamisile/Techloy.com*