Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →In Windows Security, the Home page’s green, yellow, and red status icons summarize whether a protection area is clear, has a recommendation, or needs urgent attention. They are not a diagnosis of malware. Open the flagged area and read its specific message before deciding what to do.
What the green, yellow, and red icons mean
Microsoft’s overview defines green as sufficiently protected with no recommended actions, yellow as a safety recommendation, and red as something that needs immediate attention. Microsoft Support puts the yellow meaning this way: “A yellow icon means that there is a safety recommendation for you.” The icon summarizes a protection area; it does not, by itself, identify the cause or prove that the PC is infected.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Home page links to Virus & threat protection, Account protection, Firewall & network protection, App & browser control, Device security, Device performance & health, Family options, and Protection History. Open the section marked with an icon to see what it actually refers to. On a work- or school-managed PC, organization policy may hide or limit pages; check with IT rather than trying to override managed settings.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFind the area behind the recommendation
Device performance & health
A recommendation here is about the device health report, not necessarily a malware detection. The report checks storage capacity, battery life on devices with batteries, apps and software, and the Windows Time service. Microsoft says the scan runs when you open the report; check the displayed scan time to see when it was last updated. Organization policy may prevent access to this page.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Device security
This area covers hardware- and firmware-dependent safeguards, including Secure Boot, core isolation, the security processor (TPM), links to data encryption, and hardware security capability. Available features vary with Windows version and installed hardware.
For example, Memory integrity—also called Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity—requires hardware virtualization. An incompatible driver can prevent it from turning on; Microsoft recommends checking with the device manufacturer for an updated driver. Identify the exact warning and device context first. Do not casually remove drivers or change UEFI settings. Clearing a TPM can affect access to protected data, so back up data and understand the consequences before doing so.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Virus & threat protection
Open this area to inspect current threats and scan information. Windows Security offers quick, full, custom, and Microsoft Defender Offline scans. A quick scan is a practical first check; an Offline scan restarts the PC, so save open work before starting it.
Real-time protection checks files and programs when they are accessed or run. While it is off, files you open or download are not scanned in real time until protection resumes. Exclusions also stop Defender checking the files or paths you exclude, which can leave the device and data more vulnerable.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Protection History
Protection History records actions by Microsoft Defender Antivirus and some important service events. Its red and yellow cards indicate event urgency: red means a serious item needs immediate attention; yellow means it is not urgent but should be checked. These event-card colors are distinct from the Home page’s summary of an area.
Expand a card to see its details and available next steps. “Threat quarantined” means the item has been blocked and quarantined. “Remediation incomplete” means Defender took steps but could not finish cleaning, and the card provides further instructions. History entries are retained for two weeks.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Rank #4
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T120. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T120 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-C port : Insert the T120 security key into the USB-C port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
Choose the next step based on the message
- Open the flagged tile or section. Read the exact message; do not infer the cause from its color alone.
- For a health recommendation, follow the category shown—storage, battery, apps or software, or Windows Time—and address that health issue.
- For a device-security recommendation, note the specific feature and device context. If a driver is incompatible, check the manufacturer for an updated driver. Avoid changing firmware settings or clearing the TPM without understanding the consequences.
- For a threat warning, review current threats and scan information, then choose a scan that fits the concern. Save open work before an Offline scan because it restarts the PC.
- For a Protection History event, expand the card and follow its instructions. If you are unsure whether a detected item is legitimate, quarantine is safer than allowing it; allowing a real threat can put the device and data at risk.
- If a page is missing on a managed PC, ask your organization’s IT administrator whether policy limits access.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
