🛡️ Installing DefendScan

Takes less than 30 seconds. Here's exactly what to do.

⬇️ Download Latest

1 Run the Installer

Double-click DefendScan_0.4.0_x64-setup.exe from your Downloads folder.

Click Install on the setup window, then Close when done.

2 "Windows protected your PC"? — Click Through

⚠️ You may see a blue SmartScreen popup saying "Windows protected your PC". This is normal for new software.

Why this happens: Microsoft shows this for any app that hasn't been installed thousands of times yet. It does NOT mean the file is dangerous.

How to proceed:

  1. Click "More info" (small text under the warning)
  2. A new button appears — click "Run anyway"

✅ You only need to do this once. Future updates install normally.

3 Enable Windows Defender (for Enhanced Scanning)

DefendScan can use Windows Defender as an additional scanning engine for deeper threat detection. If Defender is already active, skip this step.

How to check if Defender is ON:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings
  2. Click Privacy & security → Windows Security
  3. Click Open Windows Security
  4. If you see a green checkmark ✓ next to "Virus & threat protection" — Defender is already ON ✓

If Defender is OFF or disabled:

  1. In Windows Security, click Virus & threat protection
  2. Under "Virus & threat protection settings", click Manage settings
  3. Toggle Real-time protection to On
  4. Toggle Cloud-delivered protection to On (recommended)

If a third-party antivirus is installed (Norton, McAfee, etc.):

Windows Defender auto-disables when another AV is present. To use Defender with DefendScan, uninstall the third-party AV first, then restart — Defender activates automatically.

✅ Once Defender is active, DefendScan will automatically use it for enhanced scanning on every file check.

4 You're Protected!

DefendScan opens automatically. You'll see it in your Start Menu as "DefendScan".

Try scanning a file, checking a link, or pasting a suspicious message to see it in action.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free? Yes — 100% free during beta. No ads, no tracking.

Does it upload my files? No. Everything runs locally on your PC. Nothing leaves your computer.

Why is it only 2MB? It uses smart local analysis instead of huge virus databases. Fast and lightweight.

Will it conflict with Windows Defender? No. DefendScan complements Defender — it can even use Defender as an additional scanning engine for deeper threat detection.

Does it work on Mac or phone? Currently Windows only. Mac and Android versions are planned.