Microsoft has detailed how users can navigate the built-in Windows Security app to safeguard their computers. The official guide explains how to perform malware scans and manage real-time antivirus protection on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What it does
According to Microsoft, the Windows Security app is a built-in security solution designed to protect devices and data from various threats. It features real-time threat neutralization using Microsoft Defender Antivirus, alongside a firewall that monitors network traffic to safeguard privacy.
Before you start
These instructions apply to devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11. No separate installation is required as the tool is built directly into the operating system.
Steps
Step 1: Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the Start menu.
Step 2: Scan a specific file or folder by right-clicking the item in File Explorer and selecting 'Scan with Microsoft Defender'. On Windows 11, you may need to click 'Show more options' after right-clicking to reveal the scan option.
Step 3: Run a quick scan by opening the Windows Security app and selecting 'Virus & threat protection', then clicking 'Quick scan'.
Step 4: Turn real-time protection on or off by navigating to 'Virus & threat protection' in the app, selecting 'Manage settings', and using the toggle button under 'Real-time protection'.
What the company says
Microsoft says that the app's real-time protection continuously scans for threats to stop malware infections and keep devices running smoothly. The company notes that if you turn off real-time protection, opened or downloaded files will not be scanned, but the feature will soon turn on automatically again to protect your device.
What to do
- To open the app, search for Windows Security in your Start menu.
- To scan a specific file or folder, right-click it in File Explorer and select Scan with Microsoft Defender (on Windows 11, you may need to select Show more options first).
- To run a quick scan, open Windows Security and go to Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
- To toggle real-time protection, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings and toggle Real-time protection On or Off.
Key facts and where they come from
- Windows Security is an integrated tool designed to protect Windows devices from security threats.
The Windows Security app is a comprehensive security solution integrated into Windows, designed to protect your device and data from various threats.
- Windows 11 users might need to click an extra option to scan a specific file from the right-click menu.
On Windows 11 you may have to select Show more options after you right-click to see the option to scan the file or folder.
- Disabling real-time protection is only temporary, as the system will eventually re-enable it automatically.
While real-time protection is off, files you open or download won't be scanned for threats. However, real-time protection will soon turn on automatically again