To determine if Windows security is on and active, you can check the System tray on your computer. The System tray is located in the bottom-right corner of your screen, next to the clock. It displays icons for various running programs and system notifications.
First, click on the upward arrow (^) in the System tray to expand the list of running programs. This will reveal additional icons that may be hidden.
Look for an icon that resembles a shield or a security symbol. This is the Windows Defender icon, which indicates that your Windows security is running and active. Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus and anti-malware program provided by Microsoft for Windows operating systems.
If you see the Windows Defender icon, it means that your Windows security is enabled and protecting your computer against potential threats. You can hover your mouse over the icon to confirm that it is indeed Windows Defender.
In some cases, the Windows Defender icon may not be visible in the System tray. This can happen if your computer is running a third-party antivirus program that has taken control of the security functions. In such cases, you can open the antivirus program and check its status to ensure that your Windows security is active.
It’s worth mentioning that Windows Defender is enabled by default on Windows 10 and provides basic protection against viruses and malware. However, if you prefer using a different antivirus program, Windows Defender may automatically disable itself to avoid conflicts. In this case, you should rely on the status and notifications provided by your chosen antivirus software.
In addition to checking the System tray, you can also verify the status of Windows security by opening the Windows Security app. To do this, you can search for “Windows Security” in the Start menu and click on the corresponding result. The Windows Security app provides a comprehensive overview of your computer’s security status and allows you to perform scans, manage firewall settings, and more.
In conclusion, to know if Windows security is on and active, you can check the System tray for the Windows Defender icon. Additionally, you can open the Windows Security app to access more detailed information about your computer’s security status.