Security Center is the one place to go to check security settings.
Windows Defender works with Internet Explorer 7 to help you make conscious choices about software installed on your PC by providing always-on protection that monitors key system locations, watching for changes that signal the presence of spyware.
Superior scanning and removal technologies use up-to-date spyware definitions created by Microsoft, with help from Windows Defender users who submit reports of potential new spyware.
From installation to maintenance and updates, Windows Defender is simple to use and comes with preconfigured settings and guidance to help you get and stay secure. An improved user interface gives you more control over your software. Common tasks such as scanning, blocking, and removing unwanted software are easier than ever, and a Software Explorer helps you understand which software and services are running on your computer and stops or disables "rogue" software. Windows Defender automatically handles many common tasks and interrupts or re doing without your consent. If any changes occur to these areas, Windows Defender notifies you so you can allow or block this activity. Some legitimate software might behave in suspicious-looking ways, so Windows Defender helps you make decisions about whether to allow it on your system by showing you the percentage of other Windows Defender users who have allowed it. Typically, legitimate software will have a very high "allow" rate.
Because spyware is a constantly evolving threat, Windows Defender automatically makes sure it has the latest definitions before a scheduled scan, so you are better protected from new threats. Definition updates are created by Microsoft analysts with help from an active network of Windows Defender customers who submit spyware reports. These reports help keep Microsoft—and you—ahead of new and emerging threats posed by spyware.
Customers can opt in to these networks at two different levels. "Basic participants" can submit reports that do not include personally identifiable information—although this might result in incomplete spyware reports. "Advanced participants" can choose to send a full report that might include some personally identifiable information. They are also >Windows event log
You can also keep track of Windows Defender activity—including alerts, detection and removal, and installation of new definitions—using the Windows event log. You can review or audit previous actions you have taken by searching in Event Viewer for events created by Windows Defender.