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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteOpen Start, search for Windows Security, and launch the app. On its Home page, check for yellow or red status icons, then open any flagged protection area to see the specific recommendation. A green status means Windows Security reports no recommended action; it is not a guarantee that every security risk has been eliminated.
Read the Windows Security dashboard
- Select Start, type Windows Security, and open the app.
- On the Home page, review each protection area. Microsoft says a green icon means the device is sufficiently protected and there are no recommended actions. Yellow indicates a recommendation; red means something needs immediate attention. Select a flagged area to see its details and suggested action. (Microsoft Support: Windows Security App Overview)
The dashboard brings several checks together, including antivirus, account protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser controls, device security, device performance and health, family options, and Protection history. Treat the icons as a summary: investigate any warning and check the area relevant to your concern rather than relying on one green indicator.
Check antivirus status and scan results
Open Virus & threat protection to review current threats, the last scan’s time and duration, and how many files it scanned. Check whether any threats were quarantined or allowed. Choose a quick, full, custom, or Microsoft Defender Offline scan according to what you need to investigate. An Offline scan restarts the PC, so save open files before starting it. (Microsoft Support: Virus and Threat Protection)
Review protection settings and updates
In the same area, inspect protection settings and security intelligence updates. Turning protection off or adding exclusions can leave the device or specific files more exposed. If you need to exclude a particular file or folder, Microsoft describes that as preferable to turning off all real-time protection; remember that excluded content will not be checked.
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Confirm which antivirus provider is active
In Windows Security, open Settings and select Manage providers to see which apps and services protect the device. If another antivirus app is installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns off automatically. The presence of Windows Security alone therefore does not establish that Defender Antivirus is the active provider. (Microsoft Support: Windows Security App Settings)
Check the firewall for the active network
Open Firewall & network protection. Identify the active network profile, then check Microsoft Defender Firewall’s status for that profile. Windows distinguishes domain, private, and public networks, so a status for one profile does not necessarily describe the profile currently in use. Microsoft advises leaving the firewall on; if it is blocking an app you need, allow that app through instead of turning the firewall off. (Microsoft Support: Firewall and Network Protection)
Rank #2
Review app, browser, account, and device checks
App & browser control
Open App & browser control to review reputation-based protection, including SmartScreen, exploit protection, and potentially unwanted app controls. Smart App Control is not available in Windows 10. On Windows 11, its availability can depend on installation history: it is intended for new installations, and an existing installation that received it through a Windows update may not be able to turn it on without resetting or reinstalling Windows. (Microsoft Support: App & Browser Control)
Account protection
Account protection links to Microsoft account settings, Windows Hello, and Dynamic Lock. The Microsoft account section is not shown when you sign in with a work or school account. (Microsoft Support: Account Protection)
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Open Device performance & health to view its report and when the report’s scan ran. Some Windows Security pages or controls may be unavailable because of organization policy; on a work- or school-managed PC, ask the administrator about restricted settings. (Microsoft Support: Device Performance and Health; Windows Security App Overview)
Use Protection history to understand alerts and actions
Open Protection history when you need context about a Defender Antivirus alert or action. It can show actions Defender Antivirus has taken, potentially unwanted apps removed, and key services that are turned off. Use the entry details to understand what happened rather than dismissing an alert based only on the Home page summary. (Microsoft Support: Windows Security App Overview)
Rank #4
When a section is missing or locked
Different PCs can show different controls because features vary by Windows version and installation history, another antivirus provider may be active, or an organization may manage the device. A missing or locked option does not by itself establish that the PC has failed a security check. For a managed device, contact its work or school administrator; otherwise, check the relevant feature’s availability and the protection provider shown in Manage providers.
Quick Recap
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