All Windows PCs come with a built-in security feature called Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), which helps prevent unauthorized software from running by allowing only trusted applications.

Update, March 31, 2025: This story, originally published March 29, has been updated with an explanation of LOLBINS as well as further technical information regarding the Windows Defender Application ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Davey Winder is a veteran cybersecurity writer, hacker and analyst. There are a number of antivirus, anti-malware, and internet ...

The utility program MpCmdRun.exe is required to run Windows Defender commands. This file is usually located in the C:\Program Files\Windows Defender folder. Note down ...

Windows Defender is a crucial security tool designed to protect your system from harmful files and malware in Windows 11/10. However, dealing with it can sometimes be frustrating, as it mistakenly ...

Toggle the Real-time protection switch off. You may receive a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking if you want to allow the change to occur. Select Yes. When you're ready to turn system protection ...

Microsoft Defender will continue to work in Windows 10. Defender will receive regular security updates until October 2028. Microsoft still recommends Windows 11 for new security patches. You probably ...