Unlock and Customize Microsoft Defender Settings with Ease

ByJim Miller

Microsoft Defender, the built-in security tool in Windows, is a powerful tool for protecting your computer from cyber threats. However, configuring it manually can be a daunting task, requiring you to navigate through multiple menus and settings. That's where DefenderUI comes in. Developed by Voodoosoft, DefenderUI is an app that unlocks many hidden features and settings of Microsoft Defender, making it easy to toggle on/off and customize its options.

Downloading and Installing DefenderUI

To get started with DefenderUI, follow these simple steps:

  1. Boot up your Windows PC and open your preferred browser.
  2. Go to the official downloads page of DefenderUI by VoodooSoft and click on the “DOWNLOAD FREE” button.
  3. Wait for the download to complete and click on it to start the installation process.
  4. On the dialogue box that appears, click “next” to continue.
  5. On the next dialogue box, check “I agree to the terms of the license agreement” and click “Next”.
  6. The installation process will take place automatically, and the program will be ready to use.

Getting Started With DefenderUI

Once you have installed DefenderUI, it's time to explore its user interface and learn how to use the app to manage and customize Microsoft Defender. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Launch DefenderUI. If it doesn't open automatically, you can access it from the Taskbar notification area. Click on the “Show hidden icons” menu in the Taskbar, and then click on the “DefenderUI” icon.
  2. In the program window that appears, you will see a list of profiles to choose from. Casual users can select any of the “Recommended,” “Default,” or “Interactive” profiles. If you want full access to all Defender settings, select the “Aggressive” profile. Keep in mind that tinkering with settings you're not familiar with can leave your system vulnerable, so do proper research before making any changes.
  3. Close the “Welcome to Defender UI” window.
  4. Congratulations! You now have full access to every Microsoft Defender setting you need.

How to Disable and Enable Defender Easily

While it's generally not recommended to disable Microsoft Defender permanently, there might be situations where you need to temporarily turn it off, such as troubleshooting or installing third-party apps. Here's how you can easily disable and enable Defender using DefenderUI:

  1. Open DefenderUI and click on the “Home” page.
  2. Simply toggle the “Real-time protection” option to disable or enable Microsoft Defender's real-time protection.
  3. You can also toggle Microsoft's “Cloud-based protection” and the “Windows Firewall” using the toggles below “Real-time Protection.”

How to Start a Scan for Threats

Initiating a manual scan to check for threats and vulnerabilities in Microsoft Defender can be a tedious process. DefenderUI simplifies this task. Follow these steps to start a scan quickly:

  1. On the “Home” page of DefenderUI, you will see a dedicated section for scans.
  2. Click on “Update signatures” to ensure that all threat databases in Defender are up to date.
  3. Click on “Scan now” to select the scanning mode. You can choose from “Quick” (fast scan of vulnerable locations), “Full” (total system scan), “Offline” (scan without using the internet), or “Custom” (select specific locations to scan).

How to Add and Manage Exclusions

Sometimes, Microsoft Defender may flag certain files as threats when they are actually harmless. DefenderUI allows you to easily manage these false positives. Here's how:

  1. Click on “Add exclusion” on the home page of DefenderUI.
  2. From the dropdown menu, select the type of exclusion you want to add, such as “File/Folder.”
  3. Select the folder or file you want to exclude from Defender's scans.
  4. To manage the list of exclusions, click on “Manage exclusions” on the home page of DefenderUI. From the list that appears, you can edit or remove exclusions as needed.

Managing Other Useful Toggles and Settings

DefenderUI offers even more control over Microsoft Defender with its advanced settings. Here are a few toggles and settings you should check out:

Basic Page

On the “Basic” page of DefenderUI, you can toggle settings like “Ransomware Protection” and adjust the level of “SmartScreen.”

Advanced Page

On the “Advanced” page of DefenderUI, you can further fine-tune Microsoft Defender. Toggles like “Low CPU Priority” and “Average CPU Utilization while Scanning” help minimize the performance impact on your system resources.

DefenderUI is a powerful tool that gives you better control over Microsoft Defender. While this guide provides an introduction to the app, there's a lot more to explore. Take the time to familiarize yourself with each setting and its function, and always do proper research before making any changes.

Are you an advanced user? Check out our guide on how to use Terminal on Windows 10/11 for even more control over your Windows operating system.