Windows Defender - Definition Updates?

[verizon]

Am i right in saying that:
a) Windows Defender runs in the background doing realtime scanning?
b) Windows Defender doesn't automatically update it's own definitions if you're not using Automatic Updates? (also, do Windows Defender definition update show up on Windows Update though?)

Just thinking bout making the switch
Cheers lads

 

[bledd]

if you never get spyware i wouldn't bother with it.. it scans all files, so will slow your pc down a bit

it does work very well, and the updates show on windows update

 

[PsiFox]

By default Defender checks for updates prior to each scan.

 

[verizon]

But if do not setup a scheduled scan nor run a manual one my self ?

 

[PsiFox]

A default scheduled scan is set for 0200 hours on installation, so if you leave the pc on it will run.

Check the options under tools

 

[verizon]

Indeed

But if i turn that off!?

 

[Meatball]

I've never felt the need for a realtime spyware scanner. Just use Spybot SD, adaware personal and spywareblaster. I haven't had one bit of spyware since I started using all of these together.

 

[verizon]

So it doesn't have an automatic update capability like NOD32 within the program it self?

 

[Syph]

So it doesn't have an automatic update capability like NOD32 within the program it self?

Pretty sure it's just integrated into Windows Update.

I like WD. I generally avoid sites that might get me 'spywared', so it's not often called into action. Not noticed a performance hit with on at all though, it's very efficient. I have mine scheduled to run prior to my weekly back-up of My Documents.

 

[PsiFox]

So to recap, it does have an autoupdate provided you have a scan scheduled.

Apart from that it should also update definitions through windows update.

Look for KB915597. You should find in the history that this has multiple installs with this KB but has differing definition numbers.