How To Check Your PC Security Settings

June 20, 2026
| No Comments

How To Check Your PC Security Settings: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Keeping your computer secure is one of the most important parts of PC maintenance. Windows includes several built-in security features designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, hackers, and other online threats. However, these tools can only help if they are enabled and configured properly.

The good news is that checking your PC security settings is quick and easy. Even if you’re new to computers, you can verify that your system is protected by following a few simple steps.

In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to check your PC security settings step by step and identify areas that may need attention.

Why PC Security Settings Matter

Your security settings help protect:

  • Personal files
  • Passwords
  • Financial information
  • Email accounts
  • Online accounts
  • Sensitive documents

Poor security settings can leave your computer vulnerable to:

  • Malware infections
  • Viruses
  • Ransomware
  • Phishing attacks
  • Unauthorized access

Regularly reviewing your security settings helps keep your system protected.

Related guide:
Beginner’s Guide to PC Maintenance

Step 1: Open Windows Security

Windows Security serves as the main security dashboard for most Windows computers.

To open it:

  1. Click the Start Menu
  2. Type Windows Security
  3. Click the Windows Security app

You’ll see several protection categories, including:

  • Virus & Threat Protection
  • Account Protection
  • Firewall & Network Protection
  • App & Browser Control
  • Device Security

This dashboard provides an overview of your computer’s current security status.

Step 2: Check for Security Warnings

Once Windows Security opens:

  1. Review the main dashboard
  2. Look for any yellow or red warning icons

A green checkmark generally means Windows Security isn’t recommending an action in that area.

Warnings may indicate:

  • Antivirus disabled
  • Firewall turned off
  • Missing updates
  • Security recommendations

Reviewing these warnings can help you identify security settings or issues that may need attention.

Step 3: Verify Virus & Threat Protection Is Enabled

Antivirus protection is an important part of your PC’s security.

To check it:

  1. Click Virus & Threat Protection
  2. Review your protection status

Verify that:

  • Real-time protection is enabled
  • Security intelligence is up to date
  • Windows Security isn’t reporting an active threat

If another antivirus program is installed, Windows Defender may automatically disable itself.

Related guide:
How to Scan Your PC for Viruses

Step 4: Check Protection Updates

Antivirus software is only effective if it recognizes current threats.

To verify updates:

  1. Inside Virus & Threat Protection
  2. Click Protection Updates
  3. Select Check for Updates

Install any available updates.

New malware appears constantly, making regular updates essential.

Step 5: Review Firewall Settings

The Windows Firewall helps block unauthorized access to your computer.

To check it:

  1. Return to the Windows Security dashboard
  2. Select Firewall & Network Protection

Verify that:

  • Domain Network is protected
  • Private Network is protected
  • Public Network is protected

For most users, Windows Firewall should remain enabled for the network profiles they use.

Step 6: Check App & Browser Control

App & Browser Control helps protect you from dangerous downloads, websites, and apps.

To review these settings:

  1. Open App & Browser Control
  2. Review available protection features

Look for settings related to:

  • Reputation-based protection
  • Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
  • Potentially unwanted app blocking

These features help prevent unsafe software from running.

Step 7: Review Device Security

Device Security helps protect your computer at the hardware level.

To check it:

  1. Return to the Windows Security dashboard
  2. Select Device Security

Depending on your hardware, you may see:

  • Secure Boot
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
  • Core Isolation
  • Memory Integrity

Modern security features can help protect against advanced attacks.

Do not worry if every option is not available, as support varies between systems.

Step 8: Verify Windows Updates Are Current

Many security vulnerabilities are fixed through Windows updates.

To check for updates:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Select Windows Update
  3. Click Check for Updates

Install available Windows updates, especially security updates. If optional updates are listed, review them separately before installing them.

Keeping Windows updated is one of the simplest ways to improve security.

Helpful resource
Why Windows Updates Matter

Step 9: Review Account Security

Your Windows account plays an important role in overall security.

Review:

  • Use a strong, unique password
  • Review your sign-in options
  • Keep recovery information up to date
  • Enable two-factor authentication when available

To review account settings:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Select Accounts

Using strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication where available can make it harder for someone to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.

Step 10: Check User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control helps prevent unauthorized changes to your system.

To verify UAC settings:

  1. Search for User Account Control
  2. Select Change User Account Control Settings

For most users, the default recommended setting provides a good balance between security and convenience.

Avoid completely disabling UAC unless absolutely necessary.

Step 11: Review Installed Security Software

Some PCs have additional security software installed.

Review:

  • Antivirus programs
  • VPN software
  • Anti-malware tools
  • Security suites

Make sure you:

  • Keep them updated
  • Remove software you no longer use
  • Avoid running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously

Too many security tools can sometimes create conflicts.

Step 12: Run a Security Scan

After reviewing your settings, you can run a manual scan for an additional check for threats.

To run a scan:

  1. Open Virus & Threat Protection
  2. Click Quick Scan

For a deeper inspection:

  1. Select Scan Options
  2. Choose Full Scan

A manual scan can be useful when you suspect something is wrong or want to perform an additional check of your system.

You may also enjoy:
How to Remove Malware From Your PC

Step 13: Review Protection History

Windows Security keeps a record of security actions and detections that may need your attention.

To review it:

  1. Open Windows Security
  2. Select Virus & threat protection
  3. Select Protection history

You may see information about threats that Windows Security detected, blocked, quarantined, or removed.

If you see an item you don’t recognize, don’t automatically allow or restore it. Review the details first and, when necessary, research the file or seek help before changing its status.

Protection History can be especially useful if Windows Security has recently displayed a warning or you want to understand what action it took in response to a detected threat.

Common Security Mistakes Beginners Make

Ignoring Security Warnings

Warning notifications should never be dismissed without understanding the issue.

Ignoring security warnings can leave important security issues unresolved.

Disabling Antivirus Protection

Some users temporarily disable antivirus software and forget to turn it back on.

This leaves the computer vulnerable to threats.

Delaying Windows Updates

Security updates often patch newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Waiting too long increases your risk.

Using Weak Passwords

Simple passwords remain one of the most common security weaknesses.

Use unique passwords for important accounts whenever possible.

Additional Tips To Improve PC Security

Beyond reviewing your settings, you can improve security by:

  • Avoiding suspicious downloads
  • Being cautious with email attachments
  • Using strong passwords
  • Enabling two-factor authentication
  • Running a malware scan when you suspect a problem or want an additional check
  • Keeping software updated
  • Backing up important files

Good security habits are just as important as security software.

How Often Should You Check Security Settings?

You don’t need to constantly change your security settings. However, it’s a good idea to review them periodically and whenever something changes on your PC.

You should also review them:

  • After installing new software
  • Following a malware infection
  • After major Windows updates
  • If security warnings appear

Regular reviews help ensure nothing important has been disabled accidentally.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to check your PC security settings is an important skill for every computer user. Fortunately, Windows provides powerful built-in tools that make it easy to verify your system is protected.

The most important things to remember are:

  • Keep antivirus protection enabled
  • Verify firewall protection is active
  • Install Windows updates regularly
  • Use strong passwords
  • Review security warnings promptly
  • Run a malware scan when you suspect a problem or want an additional check

A few minutes spent checking your security settings can help prevent much larger problems later.

Uncategorized