How to Set Up and Use Windows Security for Malware Protection

Windows Security is a built-in application that provides a range of security features, including malware protection, on Windows 10. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up and using Windows Security to safeguard your PC against malware.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Windows Security
2. Updating Windows
3. Accessing Windows Security
4. Running a Malware Scan
5. Managing Real-time Protection
6. Using Controlled Folder Access
7. Customizing Windows Security Settings
8. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Windows Security

Windows Security is a robust protection suite that includes antivirus, firewall, and advanced threat protection. It is the primary tool for guarding your PC against malware, such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious software.

2. Updating Windows

Before setting up Windows Security, ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date. Regular updates provide critical security patches, bug fixes, and new features. To update your Windows 10 PC:

• Click on the Start Menu, then select the Settings (gear icon) on the left-hand side.
• In the Settings window, choose Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update in the left-hand menu.
• Click the Check for updates button, and if updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed.

3. Accessing Windows Security

To access Windows Security and configure malware protection settings:

• Open the Start Menu and click on Settings.
• In the Settings window, select Update & Security.
• From the left-hand menu, click on Windows Security.

4. Running a Malware Scan

Windows Security provides several scanning options to detect and remove malware from your system. To run a malware scan:

• Open Windows Security as described above.
• In the Windows Security app, click on Virus & threat protection.
• Click on the Quick scan button to perform a fast scan for commonly infected locations.
• For a more thorough scan, click on Scan options below the Quick scan button, and select either Full scan or Custom scan.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the chosen scan type.

5. Managing Real-time Protection

Real-time protection continuously scans and monitors your files and applications for malware. To manage real-time protection:

• Open Windows Security.
• Navigate to Virus & threat protection.
• Click on Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings section.
• Toggle the Real-time protection switch to turn it on or off.

6. Using Controlled Folder Access

Controlled Folder Access helps protect sensitive and essential system folders from unauthorized changes. To use Controlled Folder Access:

• Access Windows Security as explained earlier.
• Go to Virus & threat protection.
• In the Virus & threat protection settings section, click on Manage settings.
• Enable Controlled folder access by toggling the switch.

7. Customizing Windows Security Settings

Windows Security offers various customization options to enhance your malware protection. To customize Windows Security:

• Open Windows Security.
• Navigate to Settings.
• From the available options, you can modify:
  • Virus & threat protection settings: Adjust the behavior of real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, and automatic sample submission.
  • App & browser control settings: Configure browser protection, exploit protection, and block potentially unwanted apps.
  • Device security settings: Manage firewall and network protection, BitLocker settings, and more.
  • Account protection settings: Set up additional security measures such as Windows Hello.

8. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and configured Windows Security for malware protection on your Windows 10 PC. Regularly update Windows Security and perform malware scans to keep your system protected from threats. Remember to customize the settings based on your preferences and needs.

By following this guide, you can leverage the powerful built-in capabilities of Windows Security to safeguard your PC against malware and ensure a safer computing experience.