What is Software Explorer?

Software Explorer in Windows Defender allows you to view detailed information about software that is currently running on your computer and that can affect your privacy or the security of your computer. You can see, for example, which programs run automatically when you start Windows and information about how these programs interact with important Windows programs and services.

Software Explorer helps you monitor the following items:

• Startup programs, which are programs that run automatically when you start Windows, with or without your knowledge.
• Currently running programs, which are programs that are currently running on the screen or in the background.
• Network-connected programs, which are programs or processes that can connect to the Internet or to your home or office network.
• Winsock service providers, which are programs that perform low-level networking and communication services for Windows and programs that run on Windows. These programs often have access to important areas of the operating system.

Note

• If you are running Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, you can't use Software Explorer to monitor network-connected programs.

Related Topics

Using Software Explorer

Understanding Windows Defender real-time protection