Important: You don't need to remove old security information unless there is an account security risk (e.g. someone else has access to your old mailbox).

Here's more info on what permissions allow an app to do: Access all your files, peripheral devices, apps, programs, and registry: The app has the ability to read or write to all your files (including documents, pictures, and music) and registry settings, which allows the app to make changes to your computer and settings. It can use any peripheral devices that are either attached or part of ...

When you get a new device and start up Windows 10 for the first time, the antivirus protection that comes installed with the device is your default security app.

To pin apps to the taskbar. Select Start , select the arrow next to All apps, right-click the app, then select More > Pin to taskbar.

Tip: If you're a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscriber you get Microsoft Defender, our advanced security software for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as part of your subscription.Learn more at Getting started with Microsoft Defender.

Learn how to tell if your Office software is genuine. To help determine if your Microsoft software is genuine, go to our How to Tell site for more information. Here you'll learn about authentic packaging, including what to look for with product key labels, and Certificate of Authenticity (COA), how to report counterfeit software, and find out what your shopping and licensing options are.

Microsoft generally releases the MSRT on a monthly cadence as part of Windows Update or as a standalone tool. (For exceptions, see Skipped releases.)Use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes that they made (see Covered malware families).For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Windows Defender Offline or Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Note: If you see the icon next to the On/Off toggle for an app, you can select it to see the registry location that contains the path for the app. Apps installed through Microsoft Store (.MSIX apps) don’t have these icons. If you select the icon for these apps, File Explorer opens and highlights the executable file.

Energy saver automatically manages system processes and power usage for an optimal balance of PC performance and longer battery life. Select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery .If you want energy saver to turn on whenever the battery falls below a certain level, select Energy saver to expand options, then next to Turn energy saver on when battery level is at, select the battery level ...

Updates to the default screen and sleep settings now help you use energy more efficiently and extend battery life. You can find efficiency settings in Windows 11 at Settings > System > Power & battery.. For a guided walkthrough of how each of the power and battery settings can improve your device's performance, click the button to open the Get Help app: