Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIn Windows 11, update controls are under Start > Settings > Windows Update; built-in protection settings are in the Windows Security app. You can check for updates, pause them temporarily, and set active hours to reduce inconvenient restarts. Windows Security brings together antivirus, firewall, app and browser, and device-security controls.
How to check for and manage Windows 11 updates
Open Start > Settings > Windows Update to see update status. Select Check for updates to look manually. Windows normally downloads and installs updates automatically, but it may need to restart to finish installing them. Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ explains the available controls.
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Pause updates temporarily
If an update would interrupt you, use the pause control on the Windows Update page and choose an end date. Microsoft documents a pause of up to 35 days in the current Windows 11 experience. This does not turn updates off permanently: when the pause ends, Windows checks for updates and may download and install them.
Set active hours to avoid disruptive restarts
Go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours. You can let Windows adjust active hours automatically or set them yourself. Windows tries to restart outside those hours when possible, helping avoid interruptions while you use the PC.
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Choose when optional updates arrive
The Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available toggle affects how quickly optional non-security updates, fixes, and features are offered. Turning it on may bring those releases sooner, but they can roll out gradually and may require more restarts. Regular security updates continue whether the toggle is on or off. Microsoft’s guidance on getting updates sooner describes the setting.
What the Windows Security app controls
Open Start and search for Windows Security. The app brings together protection areas including virus and threat protection, account protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, device security, device performance and health, family options, and protection history. It also summarizes the security providers active on the device. The visible controls can vary, particularly if a work or school administrator manages the PC or another security provider is installed. See Microsoft’s Windows Security overview and Windows Security app settings.
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Manage Microsoft Defender antivirus protection
In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection, you can review current threats and protection history, choose a quick, full, custom, or Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and manage antivirus settings. The options you see depend on which security provider is active and whether an administrator controls the device.
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Real-time protection can be turned off temporarily, but files opened or downloaded while it is off are not scanned in real time. Microsoft says it will turn back on automatically after a while. If you need to exempt one trusted file or item, use an exclusion instead of disabling antivirus protection altogether; an exclusion still means Defender will not check that item in the usual way. Microsoft’s virus and threat protection guide covers scans, settings, and exclusions.
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Check security intelligence updates
Security intelligence updates provide the threat information Defender uses when scanning. Windows downloads them automatically through Windows Update. To check manually, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and look for the security intelligence update controls. Microsoft’s Defender guidance explains these updates.
Choose the right firewall network profile
Windows Firewall settings distinguish among domain, private, and public network profiles. The right profile depends on how much you trust the other devices on the network and whether you want them to discover or connect to your PC. A home network may be appropriate to treat as private; public Wi-Fi is a setting where you may not trust nearby devices. Review the profile under Windows Security > Firewall & network protection. Microsoft’s firewall and network protection guidance explains the profiles.
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If the firewall blocks an app
Allow the specific app through the firewall rather than turning the firewall off. Microsoft says allowing an app is generally safer than opening a port, which can leave a pathway for network traffic open. On a managed device, an administrator may prevent you from changing firewall settings. See Microsoft’s explanation of the risks of allowing apps.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteCheck TPM and Secure Boot in Device Security
Open Windows Security > Device security to see hardware-security information such as the security processor (TPM) and Secure Boot. If TPM information is missing, the device may not have TPM hardware, or TPM may be disabled in UEFI firmware. Check the device maker’s instructions before changing firmware settings; changing them casually can affect how the device starts or operates. Microsoft’s Device Security guide describes these indicators.
Windows 10 has a different support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s support notice. This walkthrough uses Windows 11 Settings paths; older Windows 10 menus, including Update & Security, are not the Windows 11 paths. If you still use Windows 10, check Microsoft’s current support information for options that apply to your edition and device.
When settings are missing or locked
- Windows Security names a different provider: The app may show a third-party security provider as active, so Defender controls may differ.
- A setting is unavailable or says it is managed: A work or school administrator may have set the policy. Contact the organization’s administrator rather than trying to override it.
- TPM is not shown: Check the device maker’s documentation to confirm whether the PC has TPM and whether it is enabled in UEFI.
For broader navigation help, Microsoft’s Windows Settings guide explains how to find settings in Windows.
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