Windows Security is the default security tool for Windows 11 devices. It serves as an essential defense system, offering protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware. In addition to its antivirus features, Windows Security includes firewall protection, device performance monitoring, and advanced threat protection to ensure that your PC stays secure.
To use its features, you first need to know how to open Windows Security. In this guide, we will discuss how to enable Windows Security in Windows 11 and scan for viruses on your system using it.
How to Check if Windows Security Is Running?
Windows Security often runs quietly in the background on your Windows 11 device. If you’re unsure whether it’s active, you can easily check its status.
To verify, click on the notification area in the taskbar. Look for a small icon resembling a castle wall. If you see a green checkmark, Windows Security is running. If the icon shows a red cross (×), it means the application is turned off.

If Windows Security is active, no further action is needed. However, you can explore the guide to learn more about its features and how to enable or customize them for enhanced protection.
How to Enable Windows Security in Windows 11
Let’s go over how to enable Windows Security on Windows 11. The activation process is the same for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, to turn on Windows Security, you’ll need to disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus software, as it can interfere with Windows Security’s functionality.
Once that’s done, follow these steps:
1. In Windows 11, the taskbar is centered. Click on the Windows icon to open the Start Menu, and then select the Settings icon. If you prefer, you can also press Win + I to open Windows Settings directly.

2. Click on the Privacy & Security tab in the left panel of the Settings window.
3. Then, select the Windows Security option on the right side of your screen.

4. Here, you’ll find the option to open Windows Security. It’s your hub for viewing and managing the security and health of your device. To open it, click on Open Windows Security.

5. That will open the Windows Security app, where you’ll see the different protections it offers and their status.

6. To turn on all the virus and threat protection features on your Windows 11 device, click on Virus & Threat Protection, then select Manage Settings.

7. Here, check out the protection options and turn on the toggle for each one. We recommend enabling all of them and keeping Real-time Protection on to ensure you have the best defense against threats.

Once you’ve completed that, you’re all set! Windows Security will run in the background. If it detects any viruses or threats, it’ll block them and notify you, allowing you to take further action.
How to Scan Your Computer for Viruses Using Windows Security
If you’d like, you can also manually run virus and threat scans on your computer using the Windows Security tool. It has different scan options available, including a quick scan, full scan, and custom scan.
Here’s the difference between them:
- Quick Scan: Quickly checks the most vulnerable areas of your computer.
- Full Scan: This option thoroughly examines all files and running programs for a comprehensive security check.
- Custom Scan: This allows you to select specific files and folder locations for the scan.
Here’s how to manually scan for viruses using Windows Security:
1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on the Virus & Threat Protection option, then click on Quick Scan to quickly scan important system files.

3. If you’d like to choose your preferred scan type, click on Scan options and select an option from the list.
4. Finally, click on Scan Now.

Conclusion
Getting started with Windows Security is really easy, and we’ve covered everything in detail in this article. You don’t need any third-party apps to keep your device secure; Windows Security will regularly check for viruses and threats on your system. Regular scans are crucial for keeping your computer safe from potential risks.
However, if you can’t open or use the Windows Security feature, check out this guide on fixing the issue of Windows Security not opening in Windows 11.