Setting up business-grade antivirus

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Setting up business-grade antivirus. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Problem

You need to ensure your computer has business‑grade antivirus protection installed and running properly.

Why Antivirus Matters

• Protects against malware, ransomware, and viruses
• Required by company security policies
• Prevents data breaches
• Keeps company data safe

Your Company Likely Uses One Of:

• Windows Defender (built into Windows 11)
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
• SentinelOne
• Symantec/Norton
• McAfee
• ESET

Solutions

Step 1: Check Current Antivirus

1. Press Win + I → “Privacy & security” → “Windows Security”
2. Click “Virus & threat protection”
3. Check the status under “Virus & threat protection updates”
4. If it says “You’re protected,” you’re good!

Step 2: Ensure Real‑Time Protection Is On

1. In Windows Security, go to “Virus & threat protection”
2. Under “Virus & threat protection settings,” click “Manage settings”
3. Make sure “Real‑time protection” is ON

Step 3: Run a Manual Scan

1. In Windows Security, click “Quick scan”
2. Wait for the scan to complete (10‑30 minutes)
3. Review any threats found and take the recommended action

Step 4: Check for Company‑Managed Antivirus

If your company manages your security, look for the company antivirus icon in the system tray and check for software such as “SentinelOne”, “Defender”, or “ESET”. These may have additional company policies applied.

Step 5: Update Antivirus Definitions

1. In Windows Security, click “Virus & threat protection”
2. Under “Virus & threat protection updates,” click “Check for updates”
3. Install any available updates
4. Restart your computer if prompted

Step 6: Company Portal (Intune/SCCM)

1. Search for “Company Portal” or “Software Center” (Win + S)
2. Open it and sign in with your company credentials
3. Check for any required security software
4. Install any pending updates

What To Do If a Threat Is Detected

Step 1: Don’t Panic

• The antivirus will often quarantine threats automatically
• Follow the on‑screen recommendations

Step 2: Take Recommended Action

• Click “Clean threats” or “Remove” if prompted
• Let the antivirus complete the removal
• Restart your computer if needed

Step 3: If the Threat Can’t Be Removed

1. Note the name of the threat
2. Contact IT Support immediately via Open a Ticket
3. Don’t try to manually delete files unless directed

Antivirus Best Practices

• Never disable real‑time protection (even temporarily)
• Never install unapproved security software. See How to install approved software.
• Keep Windows updated (security updates are critical). Refer to How to update Windows.
• Don’t open suspicious email attachments
• Only download software from approved sources

Common Issues

“Antivirus is turned off”

• Turn it back on immediately
• Contact IT if it keeps turning off

“Definitions are out of date”

• Run Windows Update
• Check for updates in the antivirus software

“Can’t install company antivirus”

• Ensure you have admin rights or contact IT
• Check the Company Portal

Need More Help?

Contact IT Support if:

• Antivirus keeps being disabled
• You can’t update definitions
• A threat can’t be removed
• You’re unsure what antivirus to use

Still Having Issues?