Maximise Windows 10 Security to protect your computer and your data with these simple steps to make sure it is enabled and up to date.

Windows 10 operating system comes with fully integrated security software. If you don’t have our IT Foundations managed Bitdefender End Point 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 10 Security Settings App

The built in Windows 10 security software is managed through the Windows Security App which you can access in one of three ways:

  1. Search for “Windows Security” in the task bar search box.
  2. Right click the Windows Security task bar notification icon.
  3. Open Windows Settings (Win+i) and search for “security”.

View all three options in this accompanying video.

Check that Windows Security is enabled

Windows Security has 5 core protections modules that  provide:

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

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

In the video you can see that Virus protection has been disabled and needs to be turned on to fully protect the computer.  When turned on the system health is restored and the computer is fully protected.

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.  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 task bar.

Update via the Windows Security App

  1. Open the Windows Security App and scroll to “Virus & threat protection updates” and click “Check for updates”.
  2. In the Protection updates page, click “Check for updates” button.

Update via the Notification Icon

  1. Right click on the Windows Security Notification Icon.
  2. Select “Check for protection updates“.

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 task bar.

Quick Scan via the Windows Security App

  1. Open the Windows Security App and scroll to “Virus & threat protection updates” and the click “Quick Scan”.
  2. After a short time the results of the scan will be known.  If there are no issues you will receive an 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.