How to check and update Windows 11 Security

Maximise Windows 11 Security to protect your computer and your data with these simple steps to make sure it is enabled and up to date.

Windows 11 operating system comes with fully integrated security software. If you don’t have our IT Foundations managed Endpoint Security solution, you need to make sure that the built in Windows Security features are enabled and up to date. Follow these simple steps to make sure:

Open the Windows 11 Security Settings App

The built-in Windows 11 security software is managed through the Windows Security App

1. Search for “Windows Security” in the taskbar search box.

Check that Windows Security is enabled

Windows Security has 5 core protection modules:

1. Virus & threat protection
2. Account protection
3. Firewall & network protection
4. App & browser control
5. Device security

Each one is listed in the Windows Security App with a small status icon beside it.

Check that all modules are enabled and healthy. Green tick marks are good; red warning symbols mean that action is required.

Check for Windows Security protection updates

To check that Virus and threat protection is up to date you need to be connected to the internet. 

To get started, follow the steps above to open the Windows Security App.

1. Select “Virus & threat protection updates” and click “Check for updates”.
2. In the Protection updates page, click the “Check for updates ” button.

Run a manual Virus and threat protection scan

With all protection features enabled and up to date, there are two ways to check for updates:

1. Via the Windows Security App, Virus & threat protection settings
2. By right-clicking the Windows Security Notification icon on the taskbar.

Quick Scan via the Windows Security App

1. Open the Windows Security App and click on “Virus & threat protection updates” and then click “Quick Scan”.
2. After a short time the results of the scan will be known. If there are no issues, you will receive a notification.
3. If you want to run a full scan, checking all files and folders, click the “Scan options” link and choose the “Full scan” option.

Quick Scan via the Notification Icon

1. Right-click on the Windows Security Notification Icon.
2. Select “Run quick scan“.

Support and other security options

By following these steps, you have ensured that your Windows 10 computer is protected and the security is up to date. You can also run a manual scan of your computer at any time in the future if you suspect any suspicious activity.

If you have any issues with Windows Security and you have a support agreement with IT Foundations our support experts are on hand to help.

IT Foundations has a managed security solution using Bitdefender. Consistently ranked in the top security solutions, the Bitdefender end point security and encryption solution allows our team of experts to automatically setup, protect, monitor and support your computer security in line with best practice policies. Contact one of our consultants to discuss the best option for your business.