What you will achieve

Walk through every area of the Windows Security app — virus protection, firewall, account protection, and device security — and understand what green checkmarks actually mean versus issues you must fix.

1) Open Windows Security

Press Win + I → Privacy & security → Windows Security.
Or search Start for Windows Security and open the app.
The home page lists each protection area with a status summary — click any tile for details.

2) Review Virus & threat protection

Confirm Real-time protection is on unless you run approved third-party AV (which replaces Defender).
Check Protection updates — definition age should be recent (hours, not weeks).
Click Quick scan or schedule scans under Scan options.
Review Protection history for quarantined items you may need to restore or remove permanently.

3) Check Firewall & network protection

Each network profile (Domain, Private, Public) should show Firewall is on. Click a profile to verify inbound blocking is active. If you use remote desktop or game servers, confirm rules exist rather than disabling the whole firewall.

4) Account protection and Device security

Account protection — flags weak passwords, missing Windows Hello, or Dynamic lock. Set up PIN or 2FA if warnings appear.
Device security — shows Core isolation, Secure Boot, and TPM status. Yellow items here often block Windows 11 upgrade or BitLocker.
App & browser control — SmartScreen reputation settings; keep block for unknown apps unless a line-of-business app requires an exception.

5) Device performance and health (Windows 10)

On Windows 10, the Device performance & health section reports storage capacity, battery, apps, and Windows Update status. On Windows 11, similar info moved to Settings → System — use both when auditing a PC before handoff.

6) Export or act on warnings

Do not ignore yellow shields. Click each warning for recommended action. For persistent false positives from legitimate software, use controlled exclusions only after confirming the file path is trustworthy — see our Defender exclusions guide rather than turning off real-time protection.