[This version of Windows Defender is still in development, so some Help information might be inaccurate or missing.]

Join the Microsoft SpyNet community

By joining the online community, you can see how other people respond to Windows Defender alerts. Not all software that is detected is spyware but Windows Defender alerts you if software has not yet been classified for risks. Seeing how other people respond to each item can help you choose what to do. In turn, if you participate, your choices are added to the community ratings to help other people take action. In Windows Defender, community ratings are displayed as a bar graph that shows the percentage of users who have allowed each item.

Spyware is continually developed, so SpyNet ratings also help Microsoft determine which software to investigate. For example, if many people remove software that has not yet been classified, Microsoft will analyze the software, determine if it is spyware, and if needed, update the Windows Defender definitions.

Definitions are files that act like an encyclopedia of potential threats. Up-to-date definitions help Windows Defender detect the latest spyware threats and keep them from infecting your computer. Even if software is not spyware but operates in a way that might be harmful or unwanted, up-to-date definitions allow Windows Defender to alert you to potential risks.

To join the Microsoft SpyNet community

To complete these steps, you must be logged on as Administrator or be a member of the Administrators group.

Open Windows Defender. (Click Start, click Programs, and then click Windows Defender.)
Click Tools, and then click Microsoft SpyNet.
Select the level of community participation you want—basic or advanced—and then click Save.

Understanding Windows Defender alert levels

Read the Windows Defender privacy statement