How to Check If Your Built-In Antivirus Is Turned On

You don't have to buy anything to have some protection on your computer. Windows and Mac computers both come with built-in antivirus protection already installed. The question is whether it's actually turned on and working.

This matters because a scammer or a virus doesn't care whether your protection is on — only you and your computer do. A quick check today can tell you, in a few minutes, whether that built-in safety net is doing its job.

Below are the exact steps for a Windows PC and for a Mac. You only need to follow the section for the computer you have.

Checking built-in antivirus on a Windows PC

Windows calls its built-in protection "Windows Security" (you may also hear it called "Microsoft Defender," which is the same thing under an older name). Here's how to check it:

1. Click the Start button, then click Settings (it looks like a small gear).
2. Click Privacy & security in the list on the left.
3. Click Windows Security, then click Open Windows Security.
4. Click Virus & threat protection.
5. Look under "Virus & threat protection settings" and click Manage providers.
6. Check that it says On next to Windows Defender Antivirus (or whatever antivirus program you use).

If it already says "On," you're protected and you can stop here. If it says "Off," turn it back on from that same screen. If the switch won't turn on, or turns itself back off, something else may be managing it — more on that below.

Checking built-in protection on a Mac

A Mac works a little differently. Apple includes a background protection called XProtect that scans for known malware automatically — there's no switch for it, because it's always running. What you can check and adjust is a setting called Gatekeeper, which controls which apps your Mac is allowed to open.

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then click System Settings.
2. Click Privacy & Security in the list on the left.
3. Scroll down to the Security section.
4. Look at "Allow apps downloaded from." It should be set to App Store and identified developers.

That setting means your Mac will warn you before opening software from an unknown source — one of the more common ways scammers trick people into installing something harmful. If it's set to allow apps from anywhere, or the setting looks different than described here, that's worth a closer look (your Mac's version may show the option slightly differently).

What "on" actually protects you from

Built-in protection on either computer mainly watches for malware, meaning harmful software that can slow your computer down, steal information, or let someone control it from far away. It's a real layer of protection, and it's free. It does not, by itself, stop every scam pop-up or phishing email — those rely on tricking you, not on malware, so no antivirus fully blocks them.

What to do if you're stuck

If a menu doesn't match what's described here, or a switch won't stay on, don't keep clicking around and guessing. Windows updates and macOS updates change menus every so often, and a setting that won't turn on can be a sign something else is interfering with it — sometimes a leftover program, sometimes something installed without your knowledge. If you'd rather have someone look at it with you, Porchswing offers in-home and remote computer help for exactly this kind of question.

A quiet way to add more protection

Your computer's built-in antivirus is a good foundation, but it's not the only thing standing between you and a scam. If you want quiet protection on your Windows or Mac computer — with a real Porchswing person to call — learn about PorchswingProtect. Or call us at (916) 521-0065 and we'll help you set it up.

Common questions

Do I need to buy extra antivirus software?

Not necessarily. Windows Security and the Mac's built-in protections are real, working protection on their own. Some people choose to add more, especially protection aimed at scams rather than just malware, but it's not required just to be safe.

Why would my antivirus turn itself off?

Usually because another antivirus program was installed at some point, even one you don't remember installing, and Windows or Mac is letting that program take over instead. If you're not sure what's installed on your computer, that's a good question to bring to a tech helper rather than guess.

Does checking this settings page cost anything or change anything on my computer?

No. Looking at these settings is completely safe — you're only viewing information. Nothing changes unless you click a switch to turn something on or off yourself.