11 Ways You Can Open the Windows Security App in Windows 11
Windows Security (formerly Defender) is the antivirus app bundled with Windows 11. The app’s real-time scanning protects PCs from viruses and other forms of malware. So, it’s an important Windows app if you don’t have any alternative third-party antivirus utility installed.
Users will need to open Windows Security to manually start custom or quick scans, configure antivirus settings, and set up file and folder exclusions among other things. You can also adjust some firewall options from that app. These are 11 alternative ways you can open Windows Security in Windows 11.
1. How to Open Windows Security From the System Tray
This first method is probably one of the quickest ways to open Windows Security. Simply click the Windows Security (shield) icon that’s in the system tray on the far right of your taskbar. If you’ve got the Windows Security notification taskbar corner setting turned off, you’ll need to click aShow hidden iconsup arrow to view the overflow menu.
2. How to Open Windows Security With Windows 11’s Search Tool
It’s easy to find most Windows 11’s apps with the Type here to search box. Entering a clear keyword for finding the antivirus app there will do the trick. This is how to bring up Windows Security with that search box:
Alternatively, you can open different Windows Security tabs by entering keyword variations. For example, you can select to open theVirus and threat protectiontab by inputtingvirusin the search box. So, try modifying your search keyword to find and open a more specificWindows Securitytab.
3. How to Open Windows Security With Run
The Run dialog provides another quick way to bring up Windows Security. To open Windows Security with that app, you’ll need to enter a specific Run command in it as follows:
4. How to Open Windows Security From the Windows Terminal
Command Prompt and PowerShell are two command-line shells you’re able to utilize within the Windows Terminal app. You can open Windows Security with either. This is how to bring up Windows Security from Windows Security.
5. How to Open Windows Security via the Settings
The Settings app provides a slightly less direct way to open Windows Security. Nevertheless, you can still open Windows Security from there whenever you’ve got Settings up. Here are the steps for opening Windows Security from Settings:
6. How to Open Windows Security From the Start Menu
Windows Security is also accessible on the Start Menu. However, it’s not pinned to the front of the menu. You can open it from the Start menu’s app index as follows:
You can also pin Windows Security to the Start menu. Right-click Windows Security on the Start menu’s app index to select aPin to Startoption for it. Then you’ll be able to click a pinned shortcut for that app on the front of the menu.
7. How to Open Windows Security With Cortana
Cortana is a useful virtual assistant app with which you can start Windows 11’s apps and tools. That virtual assistant enables users to open Windows Security with both text and voice commands. This is how you can open Windows Security with Cortana:
8. How to Open Windows Security via Task Manager
The Task Manager incorporates a Create a new task feature with which you can start apps. You can open Windows Security with that feature whenever you’re utilizing Task Manager as follows:
9. How to Open Windows Security From File Explorer
you could open built-in apps by entering Run commands for them within File Explorer’s folder location bar. To open Windows Security with Explorer, follow these quick steps:
10. How to Open Windows Security With a Desktop Shortcut
it’s possible to make Windows Security accessible from Windows 11’s desktop by adding a shortcut for it there. Then you can open the antivirus app with that desktop shortcut whenever needed. This is how to add Windows Security to the desktop with the Create Shortcut tool:
That shortcut will open Windows Security’sHometab. you may also set up desktop shortcuts that open differentWindows Securitytabs. To do so, you’ll need to enter these alternative locations in the Create Shortcut tool:
11. How to Open Windows Security With a Keyboard Shortcut
Do you prefer keyboard shortcuts to desktop ones? If so, you could set up a convenient hotkey for opening Windows Security in about a couple of minutes. Follow these quick steps to set up a Windows Security hotkey:
Press theCtrl + Alt + Wkeys at the same time to open Windows Security. That hotkey will work so long as you don’t delete the desktop shortcut it’s based on.
What’s Your Favorite Way to Open Windows Security?
So, you’re able to open Windows Security from Settings, File Explorer, system tray, Task Manager, Run, Windows Terminal, Cortana, Start menu, and the search tool. Or you can immediately open that antivirus app with desktop or keyboard shortcuts instead. Open Windows Security in whatever way you prefer.
Want to scan a single file or folder without performing a full scan? Here’s how to do it with Microsoft Defender.
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