What to do if your antivirus subscription has expired

Phil asks:

I’m new to Windows 8.1. Now that my free security software has expired, how do I go about making Windows Defender my choice security method?

Windows Defender is included with Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and helps protect your PC against malware (malicious software). Many new computers come with free subscriptions to antivirus software and other security programs from companies other than Microsoft. If the subscription runs out and you don’t want to pay for it, you need to:

1. Fully uninstall the non-Microsoft security software that came with your computer.
2. Make sure Windows Defender is turned on.

To uninstall the security software that came with your computer, check the software’s Help file.

Make sure Windows Defender is turned on in Windows 8

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and tap Search (or if you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search).
2. In the Search box, type Windows Defender.
3. Tap or click the Windows Defender icon.
4. Go to Settings, and make sure that Turn on real-time protection (recommended) is selected.
5. Tap or click Save Changes.