The Software Explorer feature has been removed from Windows Defender in Windows 7. The first and last categories carry a link to learn more about the particular item, and the second category invites users to submit the program to Microsoft SpyNet for analysis by community members. In each Explorer, every element is rated as either "Known", "Unknown" or "Potentially Unwanted". They provide views of startup programs, currently running software, network connected applications, and Winsock providers ( Winsock LSPs). The Advanced Tools section allows users to discover potential vulnerabilities with a series of Software Explorers. Windows Add-ons – Monitors add-on programs for Windows.
Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta 1 (Version 1.0.701) running on Windows XP
In the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, a new logo is introduced and a pop-up notification will appear to announce the results of a scan, even if no viruses are found.
In Windows 10, Windows Defender settings are controlled in the Windows Defender Security Center. It also uses the same anti-malware engine and virus definitions from MSE.
Protection against viruses was subsequently added in Windows 8 which resembles Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). Windows Defender featured an integrated support for Microsoft SpyNet that allows users to report to Microsoft what they consider to be spyware, and what applications and device drivers they allow to be installed on their systems. It also has the ability to remove installed ActiveX software. It includes a number of real-time security agents that monitor several common areas of Windows for changes which might have been caused by spyware. 4.3 Notification of startup programs that run as an administratorīefore Windows 8, Windows Defender only protected users against spyware.