For most Windows users, this is all they’ll need to protect their computers from threats. The moment you start Windows 11, Microsoft Security is actively protecting your machine, continually scanning for malware, viruses, and security threats in real time. Besides scanning your computer in real time, Windows Security regularly downloads the latest antivirus definitions automatically to help you stay ahead of new online threats. Windows 11 will also come with the built-in Windows Security app and include an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Through Windows Security, Microsoft Defender is automatically installed and enabled. If you install another antivirus program, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn off automatically, and turn on again automatically when you remove the other antivirus app. So, for home users, Windows Security is all they need in most cases. You will not need another commercial antivirus software in Windows 11 if you take the proper steps online when browsing. Microsoft Security is more than capable of protecting and securing your computer from online threats. To get started security your computer using Microsoft Security, follow the steps below:
How to protect Windows 11 computers with Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender is a built-in antivirus feature of Microsoft Security. There are different tools included in Windows Security. Below are alert statuses that you should be aware of when using Windows Security. Login to Windows Security by going to Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below. In the Settings app, select Privacy & security and go to Windows Security as highlighted below. That will take you to Windows Security quick status pane showing protected areas. Click on the Windows Security button to view its settings panel that controls and manages different security components. In the Windows Security panel, you’ll see a security glace of protected areas. If you haven’t configured Windows Security, you may find some areas that need your attention. These are the meaning of Windows Security status definitions:
Green – all is good and no recommended actions are needed. Yellow – there are some safety recommendations that you need to attend to. Red – you should immediately resolve issues that are security concerns.
A healthy computer should have a dashboard that looks similar to the one below after all security concerns have been addressed. Below are the different security areas managed in Windows Security. They are listed below for some details and descriptions:
Virus & threat protection – This area includes Microsoft Defender which monitors threats, runs scans, and gets updates to help detect security issues and threats. Account protection – This area deals with access, sign-in options, and account settings, including Windows Hello and other options. Firewall & network protection – This area focuses on the Windows firewall and monitors what’s going on with the network and internet connections. Apps & browser control – This area includes Microsoft Defender SmartScreen which helps protect against potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads. Device security – This area reviews your device security settings to help protect you from attacks by malicious software. Device performance & health – This area looks at info about your device and helps clean and download the latest update to keep your device performing great. Family option – This area helps keep kids safe online
So as you can see, Windows Security has a lot of features that are good for most users. They will not need another commercial antivirus software installed on Windows 11 to stay protected from threats.
How to fix Windows Security apps
Once in a while, the Windows Security app might not function properly. Since Windows Security apps are critical to how your device is secured and protected, you’ll want to make sure it’s working properly. If the Windows Security app is working as expected, use the post below to help resolve the issues. The post above will help you resolve Windows Security issues.
How to schedule a scan in Windows 11
Windows Security scans your computer in real time when downloading files and other content from the internet. It also regularly scans your computer when you’re not actively using it. If you want to schedule regular scans at a specific time, the post below can help you do that. Using the information above will help you keep your device secure and protected using Windows Security. One important takeaway from this post is that Windows Security is good for you and you may not need an additional antivirus program. Conclusion: This post showed you steps you can take to protect your device from threats online. If you find an error above, please use the comment form below to report it.
