The Windows Security app is a comprehensive security solution integrated into Windows, designed to protect your device and data from various threats. With features like Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, and Smart App Control, you can easily access and configure robust security settings. Built into Windows, this app ensures your device is protected from the moment you start it up, offering real-time protection and peace of mind.
Important: Windows Security includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. If you have another antivirus app installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns off automatically. If you uninstall the other app, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns back on automatically.
To open the Windows Security app , search for it in the Start menu, or use the following shortcut:
Home page
The home page of the Windows Security app serves as a central hub for managing the security features that protect your device and data. It provides an overview of your device's security status and quick access to various protection areas.
The protection areas are:
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Virus & threat protection: Allows you to monitor threats to your device, run scans, and get updates to help detect the latest threats. It includes options for quick, full, and custom scans, as well as real-time protection settings
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Account protection: Access sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock
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Firewall & network protection: View and manage the status of Windows Firewall. You can turn the firewall on or off, and access advanced settings for different network types
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App & browser control: Offers settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to help protect your device against potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads. You can configure exploit protection, protection from potentially unwanted apps, and phishing protection
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Device security: Manage the security features built into your Windows device, like core isolation, TPM, and secure boot
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Device performance & health: View your device’s performance health report
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Family options: Easily access tools to manage your family’s digital life
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Protection history: Review the actions that Defender Antivirus has taken, potentially unwanted apps that have been removed, and key services that are turned off
The status icons for each area indicate your level of safety:
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Important: Certain pages or features of the Windows Security app might not be available if your device is managed by an organization. Contact your IT administrator for more information.
