Microsoft: Windows Defender detects and removes spyware

Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive.

The benefits of installing Windows Defender include:

Spyware detection and removal

Windows Defender quickly and easily finds spyware and other unwanted programs that can slow down your computer, display annoying pop-up ads, change Internet settings, or use your private information without your consent.
Windows Defender eliminates detected spyware easily at your direction, and if you inadvertently remove programs that you actually want, it's easy to get them back.
Windows Defender allows you to schedule your scanning and removal times when it's convenient for you, whether it's on-demand or on a schedule that you set.

Improved Internet browsing safety

Windows Defender helps stop spyware before it infiltrates your computer. Windows Defender also offers a continuous safeguard designed to target all the ways that spyware can infiltrate your computer.
Windows Defender works without distracting you. It runs in the background and automatically handles spyware based on preferences that you set. You can use your computer with minimal interruption.

Protection against the latest threats

A dedicated team of Microsoft researchers continuously searches the Internet to discover new spyware and develop methods to counteract it.
A voluntary, worldwide network of Windows Defender users helps Microsoft determine which suspicious programs to classify as spyware. Participants help discover new threats quickly and notify Microsoft analysts, so that everyone is better protected. Anyone who uses Windows Defender can join this network and help report potential spyware to Microsoft.
To help protect your computer from the latest threats, you can choose to have updates that counteract new spyware automatically downloaded to your computer.

Windows Defender is included with all versions of Windows Vista and is available to download for genuine copies of Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later.

Learn more about Windows Defender and other Microsoft anti-malware solutions, and to learn more using Windows Defender, watch this demo.

Important note about fake antivirus

Reports of rogue antivirus programs have become more prevalent lately. These are programs that generate misleading alerts and false detections of malcode in order to convince users to purchase the illegitimate security software. For example, programs such as Trojan:Win32/Antivirusxp and Program:Win32/FakeRednefed may display product names or logos in an apparent unlawful attempt to impersonate Microsoft products. These products may represent themselves as "Antivirus XP", "AntivirusXP 2008", "WinDefender 2008", "XP Antivirus", etc.

If you believe your machine is affected by malicious software or potentially unwanted software, you can use Windows Live safety scanner or another up-to-date scanning and removal tool to detect and remove malware or other potentially unwanted software from your computer. For more information on Microsoft security products, please visit our security products and services website. Additionally, you can get virus-related assistance at no additional charge from Microsoft in the United States and Canada via a toll-free support hot line, (866) PC-SAFETY (727-2338). For support outside the United States and Canada, please contact Microsoft Help and Support worldwide.