Windows Security is the protection hub built into Windows and, for most users, the first place to check when you want to know whether your PC is truly protected. From there you can manage the antivirus, firewall, app and browser controls, protection history, and even some alerts about the device’s health. There is no need to install anything unusual or run commands worthy of a sci-fi terminal: it is all built into the system. If you are still using Windows 10, it is also worth knowing how long it will continue to receive security updates.
The key idea is simple: if you use Windows and do not have another third-party antivirus running, Microsoft Defender Antivirus should handle protection against viruses and malware. However, having it installed does not always mean it is properly configured. Checking real-time protection, scans, the firewall and reputation-based filters can make the difference between a reasonably locked-down computer and one browsing the internet with its helmet on backwards.
How to open Windows Security and check the antivirus
To access Windows Security, press Win + I to open Settings and go to Privacy & security. Inside, you will see the Windows Security option, where the different protection areas are listed. You can also open the Start menu, type Windows Security and select the app. If you prefer a visual cue, the blue shield icon usually appears in the system tray; when it shows a green check mark, protection is working.
The most relevant section is Virus & threat protection. There you can run a quick scan and go into Manage settings to check that real-time protection is enabled. This feature scans files, apps and processes while they are running, so turning it off leaves the system considerably more exposed. It is also advisable to keep cloud-delivered protection enabled, as it allows the PC to receive up-to-date information while it is connected to the internet.
Another important setting is tamper protection, designed to prevent apps or malware from changing Windows Security settings. In addition, the automatic sample submission option can send suspicious files to Microsoft for analysis. And if you work with code, Dev Drive protection provides an isolated space for development environments, which sounds more useful than epic, but it certainly has its appeal for technical users.
Quick, full and offline scans
Once inside Virus & threat protection, the Quick scan button is the basic check that many users should run from time to time. This scan checks memory, processes, profiles and the usual areas where malware tends to hide. Depending on the source, it typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes, so it fits nicely into that window before your coffee has kicked in.
If you suspect something is wrong or want a deeper check, go to Scan options and choose Full scan. This mode checks all files and folders on the system, so it takes longer, but it is also more thorough. For specific cases, such as a USB drive or a folder you are unsure about, the Custom scan lets you select exactly which location you want to check.
The most useful scan for persistent threats is Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan. When you enable it, the computer restarts and the scan runs outside the normal Windows environment, which helps detect malware that tries to operate before or outside the usual system context. Before using it, save your work, make sure Microsoft Defender is up to date and check that real-time and cloud protection are still enabled.
It is also possible to schedule automatic scans from Task Scheduler. There, go to Task Scheduler Library, Microsoft, Windows Defender, open the properties of Windows Defender Scheduled Scan and create a new trigger. You can configure it once, daily, weekly or monthly, and even adjust advanced options such as delays, repetitions or duration limits.
Firewall, apps and browser protection
PC security does not end with the antivirus. In Firewall & network protection, Windows Security lets you manage Microsoft Defender Firewall for domain, private and public networks. The distinction matters: your home Wi-Fi network is not the same as an open connection in a café. In all profiles, the firewall switch should be enabled to block untrusted traffic and control which apps can communicate with the network.
From that same section, you can allow or remove apps from the list authorised through the firewall, choosing whether they will work on private networks, public networks or both. For advanced users, there are inbound, outbound and connection security rules, although this is not an area to adjust by guesswork. The button to block all incoming connections is best reserved for exceptional situations, such as an attack or particularly hostile behaviour. Some classic Windows options still coexist with the Control Panel.
The other area to review is App & browser control. This is where Smart App Control comes in, blocking untrusted or potentially dangerous apps, together with reputation-based protection. The latter lets you check downloaded apps and files, enable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, receive alerts about malicious sites or phishing attempts, and block potentially unwanted apps or downloads.
SmartScreen can also be enabled for Microsoft Store apps, checking how they use web content. By contrast, exploit protection settings are configured to provide optimal protection and should not be changed unless you know exactly what you are doing. So, do you need to install another antivirus? For the average user, Windows Security provides a sufficiently complete foundation; if you install a recognised third-party antivirus, Windows may disable its own antivirus protection to avoid conflicts and performance loss. And if the issue is programs you no longer use, you can always uninstall apps in Windows 10 to keep the system cleaner.
