On Windows 10, Microsoft includes a free antivirus solution known as Windows Defender to help keep viruses and malware threats, even ransomware, out of your device. On the Windows 10 Creators Update, the software giant is taking Windows Defender one step further introducing a new experience which carries the Windows Defender Security Center name.
Windows Defender Security Center is a new experience that makes it easier for non-technical users to view and control the security of the features that protect your Windows 10 device.
In the new dashboard, you’ll not only be able to manage the Windows Defender Antivirus, but it’ll give you status and alert on different security categories, health and performance, firewall, app and browser control, and family options. You’ll even get notifications on action that need to been taken to secure your device.
Virus & threat protection
In this section is where you can view Windows Defender Antivirus scan history, any threat found on your device, and take action to remove the threat. In addition, you can run quick or advanced scans on your computer, change settings, and check for updates as necessary.
If you have a third-party antivirus, you’ll be able to launch it from this page.
Device performance & health
This is the section where you can take any action related on your device performance. In this page, you can view health report on Windows Update, drivers, battery life, and storage capacity.
Here you’ll also find a new option to start fresh with a clean install of Windows 10 using the Refresh Windows feature. Using this feature, you can reinstall the operating system with the latest update, while keeping your files and some of your settings when your device isn’t working correctly.
Firewall & network protection
This section provides information on the network connections, and you can manage the Windows Firewall settings. Additionally, you get links to troubleshoot network related problems, but keep in mind that you’ll still need to use the Settings app to change other related network and internet settings.
App & browser control
Here you can manage your Windows Defender SmartScreen Filter settings to protect your computer from malicious sites and downloads when using Microsoft Edge or apps that use web content.
Family options
In this page is where you can access parental control options, including setting up good screen time habits, setting up activity reports of your kids’ online activity and managing controls for purchasing apps and games.
You can also monitor the health and safety of your family devices from one centralized location.
As you can see Windows Defender Security Center replaces the old Windows Defender dashboard and brings an entire new experience to keep your device secure.
The goal is to keep your device protected from the first time you boot your device, but you can always opt to get a different security product. In addition, if your subscription or paid antivirus solution should expire, Windows Defender Antivirus will enable automatically on your device to keep you protected until you get a new subscription or install a different solution.
What do you think about Windows Defender Security Center? Tell us in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].