Windows Security app

Windows Security is the app that reports Microsoft Defender status. Open it from Start. A green check means that area needs nothing from you right now. A yellow or red mark means you should open it.

1. Open Windows Security and select Virus & threat protection. Choose Quick scan, or Scan options > Full scan if you want a longer pass.
2. Open Firewall & network protection and confirm the active network is set to on.
3. Open Account protection to see Windows Hello and whether the Microsoft account sign-in looks healthy.
4. If another antivirus product is installed, it may replace Defender’s real-time protection. That is expected. Use that product’s own scan if Defender shows it is off for that reason.