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What do Windows Defender warnings mean?

What do Windows Defender warnings mean?

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Windows Defender is a Microsoft program that helps protect you against spyware and other unwanted software. It's built into Windows Vista and you can download it for free if you use Windows XP.


Windows Defender provides real-time protection, but also allows you to scan your computer for spyware manually. If it finds anything suspicious you'll see an alert.


Here's what the alerts mean and what you should do about them.


Alert level

What it means

What to do


Widespread or exceptionally malicious programs, similar to viruses or worms, which negatively affect your privacy and the security of your computer, and can damage your computer.

Remove this software immediately.



Remove this software immediately.


Programs that might affect your privacy or make changes to your computer that could negatively affect your computing experience, for example, by collecting personal information or changing settings.

Review the alert details to see why the software was detected. If you do not like how the software operates or if you do not recognize and trust the publisher, consider blocking or removing the software.



This software is typically benign when it runs on your computer, unless it was installed without your knowledge. If you're not sure whether to allow it, review the alert details or check to see if you recognize and trust the publisher of the software.

Not yet classified

Programs that are typically benign unless they are installed on your computer without your knowledge.

If you recognize and trust the software, allow it to run. If you do not recognize the software or the publisher, review the alert details to decide how to take action. If you're a SpyNet community member, check the community ratings to see if other users trust the software.


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