Windows Security

Name: Windows Security
Author: Windows Security

Free plan Windows

What Windows Security is

Windows Security is a free app built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 to help protect devices and data. Microsoft Defender Antivirus provides real-time protection, threat monitoring, updates, and quick, full, custom, and offline scans. It can quarantine threats and automate remediation, and users can review actions it has taken. Windows Firewall filters network traffic, with settings for domain, private, and public networks. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen checks websites and downloads against known malicious sites and files to help guard against phishing, malware, and potentially unwanted apps. The app links to Windows Hello sign-in options and Dynamic lock, which automatically locks a PC when you are away. Its Device security page covers core isolation, the security processor (TPM), Secure Boot, and hardware security capability. Users can also view a device performance and health report. When another antivirus app is installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns off automatically and returns if that app is uninstalled. Some features may be unavailable on organization-managed devices. Smart App Control is unavailable in Windows 10 and can be used only on new Windows 11 installations.

Who it suits

Windows Security suits people using Windows 10 or Windows 11 who want the built-in security app’s antivirus, firewall, and device protection features. Organization-managed device users may not have access to every page or feature.

What it does well

Built into Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Supports real-time protection and multiple scan types.
Windows Firewall covers domain, private, and public networks.
Includes SmartScreen and device health reporting.

What to know first

Smart App Control is unavailable in Windows 10.
Smart App Control works only on new Windows 11 installations.
Some features may be unavailable on managed devices.

Limits

Smart App Control is unavailable in Windows 10 and works only on new Windows 11 installations. Some Windows Security pages or features may be unavailable when an organization manages the device; another active antivirus turns off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Getting started

Use a device running Windows 10 or Windows 11
Open the built-in Windows Security app
Review Virus & threat protection and choose a scan type
Configure Windows Firewall for domain, private, or public networks
Review Account protection, App & browser control, and Device security

Verdict

Windows Security provides built-in antivirus, firewall, account, and device-security features at no cost. Its availability and Smart App Control limits depend on the Windows version and whether an organization manages the device.

Questions

How much does Windows Security cost?

Windows Security is free and includes a free plan.

Which platforms support Windows Security?

It is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What scans does Microsoft Defender Antivirus provide?

It offers quick, full, custom, and offline scans, along with threat monitoring and updates.

What happens when another antivirus is installed?

When another antivirus app is installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns off automatically. It turns back on if that app is uninstalled.

Does Windows Security include firewall protection?

Yes. Windows Firewall filters network traffic and can be managed for domain, private, and public networks.

Facts from Windows Security's own pages

Account protection: Account protection provides access to sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Antivirus: Microsoft Defender Antivirus provides real-time protection and supports quick, full, and custom scans. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
App and browser protection: App & browser control includes Microsoft Defender SmartScreen settings to help protect against potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Company: Microsoft's About page describes the company's mission and values. · microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Compatibility limit: Smart App Control is unavailable in Windows 10 and can be used only on new Windows 11 installations. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Device security: The Device security page covers core isolation, the security processor (TPM), Secure Boot, and hardware security capability. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Firewall: Firewall & network protection lets users view and manage Windows Firewall, including settings for different network types. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Founded: 1975 · support.microsoft.com, 23 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States · support.microsoft.com, 23 Sept 2026
Health and history: The app provides a device performance and health report and lets users review actions taken by Defender Antivirus. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Managed device limit: Some Windows Security pages or features might be unavailable when an organization manages the device. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Organization management: Some Windows Security pages or features may be unavailable when an organization manages the device. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Other antivirus: When another antivirus app is installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns off automatically and turns back on if that app is uninstalled. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Platforms: Microsoft lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 as supported for the Windows Security app. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Protection scope: complete security · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
Purpose: Windows Security is built into Windows to help protect devices and data from threats. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Ransomware protection: Yes · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
Supported platforms: Windows 10,Windows 11 · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
Supported versions: Windows Security is built into Windows 10 or 11. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Threat scans: Virus & threat protection provides quick, full, and custom scans, threat monitoring, and updates. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026