Select this link called Run a new advanced scan in previous versions of Windows 10 to choose from one of the following advanced scan options:. Full scan. Custom scan. Scans only files and folders that you select. Microsoft Defender Offline scan. Uses the latest definitions to scan your device for the latest threats. Run it when you are concerned that your device has been exposed to malware or a virus, or if you want to scan your device without being connected to the Internet.

This will restart your device, so be sure to save files you may have open. Want to stop running real-time protection for a short while? You can use the Real-time protection setting to turn it off temporarily; however, real-time protection will turn back on automatically after a short while to resume protecting your device.

Provide your device with access to the latest threat definitions and threat behavior detection in the cloud. This setting allows Microsoft Defender to get constantly updated improvements from Microsoft while you’re connected to the internet. This will result in more accurately identifying, stopping, and fixing, threats.

Microsoft will notify you if you need to send additional files—and alert you if a requested file contains personal information. You can download any browser available in the Microsoft Store in Windows, and you can navigate to any other search engine website. If you want to download a browser or any other application that’s not in the Microsoft Store, you’ll need to permanently switch out of S mode. After you switch, you can then set your default browser and search engine to the one you choose, but you won’t be able to return to S mode again.

Yes, we recommend all Windows devices use antivirus software. Currently, the only antivirus software known to be compatible with Windows 10 in S mode is the version that comes with it: Windows Defender Security Center.

Windows Defender Security Center delivers a robust suite of security features that help keep you safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 10 device.

For more info, see Windows 10 security. Also note that by exclusively using apps from the Microsoft Store and browsing safely with Microsoft Edge, Windows 10 in S mode keeps you running more quickly and securely day in and day out.

If you want to use another antivirus software provider, you can ask if they offer a product that runs on a Windows 10 device in S mode. Many hardware accessories and peripherals such as printers that work with Windows 10 Home and Pro also work with Windows 10 in S mode, though sometimes they only offer limited functionality.

For additional info, see Windows 10 in S mode accessory compatibility or contact your accessory manufacturer. Always be connected to the internet. With a cellular data connection, you can be online wherever you get a cellular signal—just like with your mobile phone.

Free you from outlets with a battery life that goes beyond all-day. You’ll use less power than you would with other PCs, so you can go through a typical work or school day without running out of battery or worrying about finding an outlet to plug into.

If you want to use the PC for something more fun, you can enjoy up to 20 or more hours of local video playback between battery charges.

Turn on instantly. When you take out your PC and turn it back on, it turns on instantly. Whenever you have a few minutes in between classes, meetings, or other activities, you can get things done without waiting for your PC to start up.

Whether you’re running Windows 10 in S mode or not, there are some limitations when you run a PC on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor:. Drivers for hardware, games and apps will only work if they’re designed for a Windows 10 PC running on a Snapdragon processor. For more info, check with the hardware manufacturer or the organization that developed the driver.

Drivers are software programs that communicate with hardware devices—they’re commonly used for antivirus and antimalware software, printing or PDF software, assistive technologies, CD and DVD utilities, and virtualization software. Whether you’re in S mode or not, peripherals and devices only work if the drivers they depend on are built into Windows. You can usually find bit x86 versions of apps, but some app developers only offer bit x64 apps.

Games and apps won’t work if they use a version of OpenGL greater than 1. You can check with your game publisher to see if a game will work. Apps that customize the Windows experience might have problems.

This includes some input method editors IMEs , assistive technologies, and cloud storage apps. The organization that develops the app detemines whether their app will work on a Windows 10 PC running on a Snapdragon processor. You won’t be able to install third-party antivirus software on any edition of Windows 10 running on a Snapdragon processor. However, Windows Defender Security Center will help keep you safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 10 device. Windows 10 in S mode provides built-in accessibility features that help you do more on your device.

What About Other Programs? As mentioned above, Windows Defender provides some protection, but has been shown by AV Comparatives and other tests to lag behind other antivirus programs when it comes to protecting your PC, and lacks some essential security features, including password managers.

To ensure robust protection for your PC, relying on Windows Defender is not enough. An additional antivirus security program that has features to cover the gaps that Windows Defender leads, is an essential component for PC security. Antivirus for Windows 7. User Reviews. Write a Review. John N. This Windows 10 Antivirus from Comodo is having consistent updates and simple to use. No spam of pop-ups and notifications. Kelli C. Comodo’s Windows 10 Antivirus is a great defense as it does not let any viruses enter.

I can comfortably visit websites without getting afraid of malware. Matthew K. This Windows 10 Antivirus is new in the market yet it works effectively for all the internet threats and other possible problems. Julia J. I suggest it to anyone who wants a price-friendly yet technologically advanced protection. No big deal, I purchased it. As it turns out, I can’t install it in S mode. What’s the deal with S mode? Is it really necessary? I’m trying to figure out if it’s best to use standard Windows 10 or try to return the software.

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Stay protected with Windows Security

 
All of the brands on this list here are perfectly safe to use — the only difference between their free and paid versions is that the paid software includes additional features, like a VPN, a password manager, and parental controls, as well as better customer support options.