Run the Windows Security Center to check the status of several security essentials on your computer. To do this, click Start, type Check security status, and then click Check security status. For more information about the Windows Security Center, visit the following Microsoft webpage: Windows Security Center.

Provides links to the uninstall tools and directions for many security programs.

Real-time protection is a feature in the Windows Security app that continuously monitors your device for potential threats such as viruses, malware, and spyware. This feature ensures that your device is actively protected by scanning files and programs as they are accessed or executed.

To block threats from malicious websites, use a modern browser like Microsoft Edge, which uses Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to identify sites with poor reputation. Upgrade to the latest version of Windows to benefit from a host of built-in security enhancements.

Troubleshoots and fixes common issues with security and malware prevention in Windows.

If you're trying to remove malware, you can use Windows Security (or another antivirus tool), or you can use the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool. Related links. The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs.

On this page you can see a summary of the security providers that are looking after your device. In the Windows Security app on your PC, select Settings > Manage providers, or use the following link: Security providers.

Windows Security has reputation-based protection that can help protect your PC from potentially unwanted applications. Potentially unwanted app blocking was first introduced in the Windows 10 May 2020 update and is turned off by default for enterprise and consumer customers.

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.

Microsoft Defender is free anti-malware software included with Windows if you have a Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or Premium subscription. It's kept updated automatically through Windows Update. There are also anti-malware products made by other companies that you can choose from.