Microsoft Windows has the biggest demographic of computer users in the world. Simply put: Most computers are Windows. It is thus very important to learn some basic cybersecurity skills and cybersecurity tools when using Microsoft Windows machines.
This is a non-exhaustive list, however it should provide some background on how to properly protect a Windows PC, at least on the most basic level.
1. Windows Defender Update
> Open Windows Defender by going to Start, then typing "Windows Defender". From there, click "Windows Security". Under "Virus and Threat Protection", go to "Virus and Threat Protection Updates", and update it.
2. Windows Defender Scan
> The most basic is "Quick Scan", which is under the front page of "Virus and Threat Protection". It does a heuristic scan of the computer's running services and is generally well enough for simple malware.
3. System File Checker
> Go to "cmd" and type "sfc /scannow", which will check the integrity of your system files. If you have any system files that have been corrupted by a virus, or simply infected, it will be overwritten and downloaded again.
4. Antivirus Updates
> Different Antiviruses provide different processes of updating, however the idea is the same -- you must find the update button and update the threat signatures.
5. Antivirus Scan
> After the Antivirus Update, one must now go to Antivirus Scan. It also depends on the Antivirus being used, but generally the best idea is to use the Full Scan option whenever one has the time to do it so as to have maximum protection.
6. Windows Update
> Go to Start Button, and type "Windows Update". Under "Windows Update Settings", click "Check for Updates". This will allow the latest exploits to not work, allowing you to continue your job without intrusion.
It is always a good idea to not just update your machine, but also to scan it regularly. Should you be attacked by malware such as ransomware or RATs, you will have an extra layer of protection.