One of the new features of Windows 10 is the security center, called, to be precise, Windows Defender Security Center (renamed Windows Security in Windows 10 version 1809), which hides some really interesting tools inside. It is a control dashboard where you can view the protection status of your computer, not only regarding the antivirus, but an overview and quick access to the security tools included by the operating system.
Windows Defender Security Center, therefore, is not to be confused with the Windows Defender antivirus, which is only one of the tools integrated with the new dashboard.
To open Windows Security, just go to the Start menu, open Settings> Update and Security> Windows Security and then press up and search for Windows Security .
On the main page of the security center you can take a quick look at the current situation of computer protection, to eventually correct
the problems detected and activate what is missing to keep your PC safe from threats.
From here you can access the 5 sections that make up the Windows defender Security center
1) Virus protection is the first of the sections to be checked, where you can check the history of the analyzes already carried out and to launch the command of a quick analysis or a complete scan in case you suspect any problem or after browsing risky sites .
From the Advanced Analysis button you can also activate Windows Defender offline, which is a more effective tool against malware.
From here it is also possible to open the settings of the Windows Defender antivirus, which I remember automatically activates if another antivirus program is not installed.
There is also a button to check that all security updates have been downloaded and installed on your computer.
In case of doubts, remember that as an antivirus for Windows 10, Windows Defender can be absolutely sufficient and, therefore, you don't need to install another one.
If you are using an external antivirus, there will be more limited information on this screen and the possibility of launching the antivirus.
2) The second section of the Windows defender security center is called Device Performance and Integrity .
Under this name hides a tool, called Fresh Start, very powerful that allows you to do a complete reset of Windows 10.
This is what was previously a program to be downloaded under the name of Refresh PC, now internal to Windows 10, to clean up the PC of all installed and pre-installed programs.
This tool performs a reinstallation of Windows 10 with the latest updates and is to be used every time you want to start over, as well as in case of problems, also on every newly purchased PC that has useless software preinstalled above.
In this section there is also a computer health report to check if Windows Update, storage capacity (or disk space) and drivers are working well.
The performance and device health section provides a device health report, including Windows Update reports, storage capacity, device drivers, and battery life status.
3) Firewall and network protection gives a summary of the state of computer protection on public or private networks.
By pressing on one of the networks, you can quickly disable the Firewall or arm it with the option that blocks all incoming connections.
From this screen, you can quickly access the Windows Firewall configuration screens.
4) App and browser control is the Smartscreen filter.
For those unfamiliar with it, this is the security setting that blocks unrecognized programs and executable files that could be harmful.
The " SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge " feature allows you to enable Edge browser protection from malicious sites and downloads.
The smartscreen is now also active for the Windows Store apps.
In general, better to leave everything active or on warn .
5) Family Options is the collection of tools and functions that can be used on Windows PCs.
Parental control allows you to set and control how children use the PC and limit their ability to play or browse.
At the bottom left of the window of the Windows Defender Security Center there is also a settings button that leads to the possibility of disabling a couple of options, namely the notifications of Windows defender, if we don't care to know every time the PC is clean and Windows firewall notifications, which, on the other hand, are always better left active, to find out if any unknown program tries to send data externally.
In conclusion, it is a really simple tool to use and understand, perfect especially for beginners, who before now could find it difficult to understand and configure this type of settings.
Definitely, it will be a tool that will see improvements in upcoming Windows updates.
