If the steps above don't work, you may need to reinstall Windows. For more info, see Windows 10 recovery options. Describes how to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

Download. What it fixes. Checks the following Windows security features and enables them if needed. Phishing Filter or Smartscreen Filter. User Account Control (UAC) Data Execution Prevention (DEP) Windows Firewall. Antivirus protection status and updates. Runs on. Windows 7. Windows 8.1. Windows 10. See also. Stay protected with Windows Security.

Open Windows Security settings. Windows Security is pre-installed on Windows 10 and ready for you to use at any time.

Select Update Driver. If Windows doesn't find a new driver, you can try looking for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow their instructions. Reinstall the device driver. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.

Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Protection history. The Microsoft Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware. Learn how to remove malware from your PC. Use Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 or Windows 11 to scan your PC for malware, viruses, or other threats.

Curate your notifications. Windows Security will send notifications about the health and safety of your device. You can turn these notifications on, or off, on the notifications page. In Virus & threat protection, under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings, scroll down to Notifications and select Change notification settings.

Security Windows 11 Windows 10. If you trust a file, file type, folder, or a process that Windows Security has detected as malicious, you can stop Windows Security from alerting you or blocking the program by adding the file to the exclusions list. Caution: Only do this for files that you're confident are safe.

Notifications at a glance. Select the date and time in the taskbar to open the Notification Center. (You can also swipe in from the right edge of your screen, or press Windows logo key + N .) Select the notification to read more or take action. Don't want to take any action?

Select Start , then select Settings . Go to System > Notifications. Do any of the following: Turn notifications, banners, and sounds on or off for some or all notification senders. To see all options, expand the notifications area. Turn tips and suggestions about Windows On or Off.

Download Microsoft Defender on your devices either by: Scanning the following QR code. Searching for Microsoft Defender in your app store. Sharing with your devices, the following link: Copy link. We encourage you to install Microsoft Defender on at least five devices per person. Important: This article is about the Microsoft Defender app that ...