How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10

What is Windows Security?

As we all know, Windows 10 provides users with the latest antivirus protection with Windows Security. When you start Windows 10 for the first time, Windows Security is turned on and actively protects your device by scanning for malware , viruses, and other security threats.

Attention:

• If you have another antivirus application installed, Windows Defender Antivirus may turn off automatically.
• If you're running Windows 10 in S mode , some Windows Security features are slightly different. Windows 10 in S mode is streamlined for tighter security, so there are fewer options for virus and security threat protection. This is because Windows 10 in S mode's built-in security automatically blocks viruses and other threats from appearing on your device. Additionally, devices running Windows 10 in S mode automatically receive security updates.
• In previous versions of Windows 10, Windows Security was called Windows Defender Security Center.

Windows Security uses real-time protection to scan downloads and programs you run on your device. Windows Update also automatically downloads updates to Windows Security to help keep your device safe and protected from potential threats.

Windows Security will provide antivirus protection updates by showing you when:

• Your device was last scanned for the presence of threats.
• Your definitions were last updated. Definitions are files that Windows Security uses to protect your device from the latest threats.
• Device performance and stability scans are run to ensure your device is running efficiently.

Windows Security has seven areas of device protection and lets you specify how you want to protect your device as follows:

• Virus & threat protection: Monitor potential threats to your device, run scans, and get updates to help detect the latest threats. In Windows 10 version 1709, Virus & threat protection also provides additional options to configure controlled folder access.
• Account protection: Make it easier for users to protect their identity when signing in to Windows with Account Protection 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 stops working because their phone or Bluetooth device is turned off.
• Firewall & network protection: Manage settings for Windows Defender Firewall and keep track of what's happening with your network and Internet connection.
• App & browser control: Lets you use Windows Defender SmartScreen to help protect your device from potentially dangerous apps, files, websites, and downloads. App & browser control also provides exploit protection. With this feature, you can customize the protection settings for your device. In Windows 10 version 1709, this section also provides options to configure exploit protection.
• Device security: Gives you a deeper look at the security features built into your Windows device. Device security gives you reports on the status and how to manage the security features built into your device, including toggles to provide more advanced protection.
• Device performance & health: Review the health of your device and keep it “clean” and up to date with the latest version of Windows 10.
• Family options: Provides easy access to manage your kids' online activities and devices in your family.

You will see some security zones will display status icons:

• Green means your device is fully protected and free of any threats. This means you don't need to implement any additional security settings.
• Yellow means there are some recommendations to set up safe settings for you.
• Red warns you that there is a security risk present, which needs to be checked immediately.

For example: Windows Security interface:

How to Open Windows Security in Windows 10

• What is Windows Security?
• Open Windows Security from the icon in the notification area
• Open Windows Security in the Start menu
• Open Windows Security from Settings
• View and change settings on Windows Security.
  • Virus & threat protection
  • Account protection
  • Firewall & network protection
  • App & browser control
  • Device security
  • Device performance & health
  • Family options

Open Windows Security from the icon in the notification area

1. Click the Windows Security icon on your taskbar.

2. You can now view and change settings on Windows Security.

Open Windows Security in the Start menu

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Click Windows Security in the All Apps list.

3. You can now view and change settings on Windows Security.

Open Windows Security from Settings

1. Open Settings and click the Update & Security icon .

2. Click Windows Security on the left side, then click the Open Windows Security button or click the Protection areas you want to open directly.

Note : Starting with Windows 10 build 17093, the settings page has been renamed from “Windows Defender” to “Windows Security” on the left side, and a link for protected zones has been added).

3. You can now view and change settings on Windows Security.

View and change settings on Windows Security.

Now you can view and change the settings you like right on the home page.

Virus & threat protection

Virus & threat protection provides a new view of your antivirus protection, whether it's Windows Defender Antivirus, which comes with Windows 10, or an AV from one of our ecosystem partners. If you've selected Windows Defender Antivirus, scan results and information about threats to your device are displayed here, or you can launch a third-party AV protection application directly in Virus & threat protection.

Account protection

Account protection makes it easier for users to protect their identity when signing in to Windows with Account Protection 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 in case Dynamic lock stops working because of the phone or device.

Firewall & network protection

Firewall & network protection provides information about network connections and active firewall settings on Windows, as well as links to network troubleshooting information.

App & browser control

App and browser control, lets you adjust SmartScreen settings for apps and browsers to help you stay more informed and safe by warning you about potentially malicious websites, unrecognized downloads and apps on the Internet.

Device security

Device security helps you better understand the security features built into your Windows device. The Device security page also provides you with status reports and management of the security features built into your device, including toggles to provide enhanced protection.

Device performance & health

Device performance & health gives you the latest information about Windows updates, drivers, battery life, and storage. You also get the Refresh Windows feature. This option will keep your personal files and some Windows settings, and will remove most apps to “refresh” the system, helping to improve the performance of your device.

(Starting with Windows 10 build 17704, Microsoft added a new assessment for the Windows time service. If Windows detects that your device is not properly synchronized with Microsoft's time servers and the time synchronization service is turned off, Microsoft will provide you with the option to turn it back on.)

Family options

Family options gives you an easy way to connect to available online family options. This page can link you to information about parental controls , options to set up screen time habits, set up reports on your child's online activity, and manage purchase controls for apps and games. You can also monitor the stability and safety of your device using this option.

Good luck!

See also:

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• Ways to fix sound problems on Windows 10
• Instructions for partitioning hard drives right in Windows 10
• Convert Vietnamese for Windows 10