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:
- Stay protected with Windows Security | Microsoft Support
- The Windows Security app | Microsoft Docs
- Manage Windows Security in Windows 10 in S mode | Microsoft Docs
This tutorial will show you different ways to open the Windows Security dashboard in Windows 10.
Contents
- Option One: Open Windows Security from notification area icon
- Option Two: Open Windows Security from Start menu
- Option Three: Open Windows Security from Settings
- Option Four: See and Change Windows Security Settings
EXAMPLE: Windows Security
1 Click/tap on the Windows Security notification area icon on your taskbar. (see screenshot below)
2 You can now see and change Windows Security settings.
1 Open the Start menu.
2 Click/tap on Windows Security in the All Apps list. (see screenshot below)
3 You can now see and change Windows Security 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)
3 You can now 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
- Account protection
- Firewall & network protection
- App & browser control
- Device security
- Device performance & health
- Family options
- Protection history
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 Manually Scan Files, Folders, and Drives with Windows Defender in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender Real-time Protection in Windows 10
- How to Enable or Disable Windows Defender Block at First Sight in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Tamper Protection for Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10
- How to Change Windows Defender Controlled Folder Access Settings in Windows 10
- How to Add or Remove Exclusions for Windows Defender in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender Antivirus Enhanced Notifications in Windows 10
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.
Firewall & network protection provides information on the network connections and active Windows Firewall settings, as well as links to network troubleshooting information.
- How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 10
- How to Add or Remove Allowed Apps through Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender Firewall Notifications in Windows 10
- How to Restore Default Windows Defender Firewall Settings in Windows 10
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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 Turn On or Off Windows Defender SmartScreen for Apps and Files in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Windows Defender SmartScreen for Store Apps in Windows 10
- How to Change Windows Defender Exploit Protection Settings in Windows 10
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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.
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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.
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 Manage Family Settings for a Child in Windows 10
- How to Add or Remove a Child Account for Your Microsoft Family in Windows 10
- How to Add or Remove an Adult Account for Your Microsoft Family in Windows 10
- How to Manage Activity Reporting Settings for Child in your Microsoft Family
- How to Allow or Block Family Member from using a PC in Windows 10
- How to Find Your Child in Microsoft Family on a Map
- How to Add Money to Account of Family Child for Purchase & Spending in Windows Store
- How to Manage Web Browsing Restriction Settings for Child in your Microsoft Family
- How to Manage Apps, Games & Media Settings for Child in your Microsoft Family
- How to Manage Screen Time Settings for Child in your Microsoft Family
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.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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