The Windows Defender (WinDefend) service scans the computer and helps protect the computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats that are caused by spyware and other unwanted software.

This service is installed by default and its startup type is Automatic.

When the Windows Defender service is started in its default configuration, it logs on by using the Local System account.

The Windows Defender service is dependent upon the following system components:

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• DCOM Server Process Launcher
• RPC Endpoint Mapper