How to verify Windows Defender is using the cloud protection component

To verify that the cloud protection/submission component is functional within Windows Defender, launch an elevated command prompt and enter the following command:

"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe" -ValidateMapsConnection

The link below has a test .EXE to download.

https://aka.ms/ioavtest

ConfigureDefender

ConfigureDefender is a small utility for configuring Windows 10 built-in Defender Anti-Virus settings. It is a portable application; no installation is required.

https://github.com/AndyFul/ConfigureDefender

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-10-defenders-hidden-features-revealed-by-this-free-tool/

How to enable the sandbox mode with Windows Defender

Per the blog posting below, Windows Defender has a sandbox mode to attempt to offer additional protections.

https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/10/26/windows-defender-antivirus-can-now-run-in-a-sandbox/

To enable this feature currently, launch an elevated command prompt and use the following command:

setx /M MP_FORCE_USE_SANDBOX 1

https://www.howtogeek.com/fyi/windows-defender-now-offers-ultra-secure-sandbox-mode-heres-how-to-turn-it-on/