How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10  

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    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10

    Published by Category: Security System
    01 Nov 2022
    Designer Media Ltd

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10


    Windows 10 includes Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows 10. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats.

    Some features will be a little different if you're running Windows 10 in S mode. Because this mode is streamlined for tighter security, the Virus & threat protection area has fewer options. But don't worry—the built-in security of this mode automatically prevents viruses and other threats from running on your device, and you'll receive security updates automatically.

    • Windows Security is built-in to Windows 10 and includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
    • In previous versions of Windows 10, Windows Security is called Windows Defender Security Center.
    • If you have another antivirus app installed and turned on, Windows Security will turn off automatically. If you uninstall the other app, Windows Security will turn on automatically.
    • If you're having problems receiving Windows Security updates, see Fix Windows Update errors and the Windows Update FAQ.

    Windows Security updates you about antivirus protection by showing you when:
    • Your device was last scanned for threats.
    • Your definitions were last updated. Definitions are files that Windows Security uses to protect your device against the latest threats.
    • The Device performance and health scan was run to ensure your device is operating efficiently.

    Windows Security has seven areas that protect your device and let you specify how you want your device protected:
    • Virus & threat protection - Monitor threats to your device, run scans, and get updates to help detect the latest threats. (Some of these options are unavailable if you're running Windows 10 in S mode.)
    • Account protection - Access sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock.
    • Firewall & network protection - Manage firewall settings and monitor what’s happening with your networks and internet connections.
    • App & browser control - Update settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to help protect your device against potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads. You'll have exploit protection and you can customize protection settings for your devices.
    • Device security - Review built-in security options to help protect your device from attacks by malicious software.
    • Device performance & health - View status info about your device’s performance health, and keep your device clean and up to date with the latest version of Windows 10.
    • Family options - Keep track of your kids’ online activity and the devices in your household.
    • Protection history - The Protection History page in the Windows Security app is where you can go to view actions that Microsoft Defender Antivirus has taken on your behalf, Potentially Unwanted Apps that have been removed, or key services that are turned off.

    Status icons indicate your level of safety:
    • Green means your device is sufficiently protected and there aren’t any recommended actions.
    • Yellow means there is a safety recommendation for you.
    • Red is a warning you that something needs your immediate attention.

    See also:

    This tutorial will show you different ways to open the Windows Security dashboard in Windows 10.


    Contents




    EXAMPLE: Windows Security
    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_security.png






    OPTION ONE

    Open Windows Security from notification area icon


    1 Click/tap on the Windows Security notification area icon on your taskbar. (see screenshot below)

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_security_notification_icon_on_taskbar.png

    2 You can now see and change Windows Security settings.






    OPTION TWO

    Open Windows Security from Start menu


    1 Open the Start menu.

    2 Click/tap on Windows Security in the All Apps list. (see screenshot below)

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_security_start_menu.png

    3 You can now see and change Windows Security settings.






    OPTION THREE

    Open Windows Security from Settings


    1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the Update & Security icon.

    2 Click/tap on Windows Security on the left side, and click/tap on either the Open Windows Security button OR on one of the Protection areas you want to directly open. (see screenshot below)

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_security_in_settings.jpg

    3 You can now see and change Windows Security settings.






    OPTION FOUR

    See and Change Windows Security Settings


    1 You can now view and change the settings you like from the homepage. (see screenshots below)


     Virus & threat protection

    Virus & threat protection provides a new view of your antivirus protection whether it’s Windows Defender Antivirus that comes free with Windows 10 or AV software from one of our ecosystem partners. If you’ve chosen Windows Defender Antivirus, your scan results and threat history will be displayed here, or you will be able to launch your 3rd party AV protection app directly from this screen.

    The Windows Security interface is a little different in Windows 10 in S mode. The Virus & threat protection area has fewer options, because the built-in security of Windows 10 in S mode prevents viruses and other threats from running on devices in your organization. In addition, devices running Windows 10 in S mode receive security updates automatically.

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_defender_dashboard_app-5.jpg
    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_defender_dashboard_app-5a.png How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_defender_dashboard_app-5b.png
    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_defender_dashboard_app-5c.png How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_defender_dashboard_app-5d.png

     Account protection

    Account protection makes it easier for users to protect their identity when signing in to Windows with the new Account Protection pillar in Windows Defender Security Center. Account Protection will encourage password users to set up Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint or PIN for faster sign in, and will notify Dynamic lock users if Dynamic lock has stopped working because their phone or device Bluetooth is off.

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-account_protection.png

     Firewall & network protection

    Firewall & network protection provides information on the network connections and active Windows Firewall settings, as well as links to network troubleshooting information.

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-firewall_network_protection-1.png How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-firewall_network_protection-2.png
    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-firewall_network_protection-3.png How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-firewall_network_protection-4.png

     App & browser control

    App & browser control allows you to adjust settings for SmartScreen for apps and browsers helping you be more informed and stay safer online by warning you of potential malicious sites, downloads and unrecognized apps and files from the Internet.

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-app_browser_control-1.png How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-app_browser_control-2.png

     Device security

    Device security give you greater insight into the security features integrated in your Windows device. The Device Security page provides you with status reporting and management of security features built into your devices – including toggling features on to provide enhanced protections.

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-device_security-1.png How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-device_security-2.png

     Device performance & health

    Device performance & health provides a single view of your latest Windows updates, drivers, battery life and storage capacity. Additionally, you have the option to start fresh with a clean install of Windows using the Refresh Windows feature. This option will keep your personal files and some Windows settings, and remove most of your apps for a fresh start that can help with performance improvements should your device need them.

    Starting with Windows 10 build 17704, Microsoft added a new assessment for the Windows time service. If Windows detects that your device’s time is not properly synced with Microsoft's time servers and the time-syncing service is disabled, Microsoft will provide the option for you to turn it back on.

    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_defender_dashboard_app-6.jpg How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-windows_defender_dashboard_app-6b.jpg

     Family options

    Family options gives you an easy way to connect to the family options available online. This page can link you to information about parental controls, options for setting up good screen time habits, setting up activity reports of your kids’ online activity and managing controls for purchasing apps and games. You can also view the health and safety of your family’s devices from this centralized location.


    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-2017-01-15_19h03_39.jpg

     Protection History

    The Protection History page in the Windows Security app is where you can go to view actions that Microsoft Defender Antivirus has taken on your behalf, Potentially Unwanted Apps that have been removed, or key services that are turned off.


    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-protection_history.png


    That's it,
    Shawn Brink






  1. Posts : 27,162
    Win11 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
       #1

    Nice over view Shawn!
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 68,663
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

      My Computers


  3. Posts : 68,663
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Starting with Windows 10 build 15007, the Windows Defender dashboard app has been renamed to Windows Defender Security Center.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 633
    Win 10 Pro x64 1607 (Build 14393.953)
       #4

    Thanks for the overview!

    What's the consensus here on TF about WDSC replacing applications like those from ESET (which I use) and other AV/FW softwarefarms?

    Build 15014
    How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10-screencap-2017-01-23-21.46.44.jpg

    Greetz
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 68,663
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #5

    WDSC is basically just a way to have all of your security settings for the already included items of W10 in one place for more convenience.

    Windows Defender can often be used along with other 3rd party AV programs. Some will disable WD though.

    It's more of a personal choice of what AV program you prefer, but so far I've not had any issues with using WD alone.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 633
    Win 10 Pro x64 1607 (Build 14393.953)
       #6

    Thanks for your feedback Brink!

    I'll just let WDSC play along with ESET in all upcoming IP builds. When released I'll do a clean install - VM - with only WDSC active, just to get a better view on the 'differences'.

    Greetz
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,254
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #7

    Would WD be enough of a security barrier if you view a lot of websites in the course of your daily work? I deal with hospitals and its quite common for them to either close down or change their domain name (after being bought up for instance). At the moment I use Avast along with MBM and I see no reason to change.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 1
    Windows 10
       #8

    I think the original security panel with tabs was easier to use. I have spent several hours trying to do what I want with the new security center, and still no luck! Windows defender found a Trojan on my PC and quarantined it. With the old security panel, I would just click the history tab, go to quarantined items, and select them for removal. On the new security center all I see under history is the name and location of the file, and the statement that quarantined files are periodically removed. I see no option to remove it on my own immediately, or to disagree and restore the file.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,663
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Hello @1Steve, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    If you like, you can still open the original Windows Defender by running the .exe file below. It will take a little bit (around 1 minute) for it to actually open after running the file though.

    Create Windows Defender Antivirus Shortcut in Windows 10

    C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
    Last edited by Brink; 26 Mar 2017 at 14:59. Reason: added tutorial link for more info
      My Computers


 

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