What is Get-MpComputerStatus and how to utilize it?

by Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things... read more
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PowerShell is one of Windows’ command-line utilities that is now a notable alternative to the Command Prompt. Users can utilize PowerShell to check the status of Windows Defender, which is Windows 10’s built-in anti-virus utility. Get-MpComputerStatus is a PowerShell cmdlet that provides users with a Windows Defender status overview.

That’s what it basically is. But if you are keen to learn how to utilize it and how to enable Windows Defender fully, we made sure to explain it below.

How to Check Windows Defender’s Status With Get-MpComputerStatus

  1. So, why not check the status of Windows Defender with the Get-MpComputerStatus cmdlet? To do so, open the search box with the Windows key + S hotkey.
  2. Input ‘PowerShell’ in the Type here to search box.
  3. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select its Run as administrator option.
  4. Input the ‘Get-MpComputerStatus’ cmdlet in PowerShell and press Return. PowerShell will then display a list of Windows Defender properties as shown directly below.Get-MpComputerStatus powershell Get-MpComputerStatus
  5. AntispywareEnabled, AntivirusEnabled, IoavProtectionEnabled, NISEnabled, OnAccessProtectionEnabled, and RealTimeProtectionEnabled are the properties that highlight if Windows Defender is enabled or not. Windows Defender has fully enabled if all those properties have a true value.

How to Enable Windows Defender

  1. If Get-MpComputerStatus highlights that Windows Defender is not enabled, users can enable WD via Settings. However, some users might need to uninstall third-party antivirus software first as those utilities automatically disable Windows Defender by default.
  2. To turn Windows Defender on, open the Type here to search box.
  3. Input ‘Windows Defender’ in the search box.
  4. Then select Windows Defender settings to open the window shown directly below.windows security windows 10 settings Get-MpComputerStatus
  5. Click Virus & threat protection to open the options shown below.windows defender windows security Get-MpComputerStatus
  6. Then click Virus & threat protection > Manage settings to open the Real-time protection option.virus & threat protection settings enable real-time protection Get-MpComputerStatus
  7. Toggle the Real-time protection option on to enable Windows Defender.

So, users can get a quick Windows Defender status overview with the Get-MpComputerStatus cmdlet. There are also lots more Windows Defender cmdlets users can utilize in PowerShell.

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