10 ways to open Windows Security in Windows 11/10

Windows Security is a built-in Windows application that provides the latest antivirus protection and other security features and protects your computer actively. In this post, we will see 10 ways to open Windows Security in Windows 11/10.

Your computer comes with Windows Security out of the box, which offers the latest antivirus protection and other security features. Your device will be protected from the moment you start your computer. Windows Security scans for malicious software, viruses, and other security threats in real time, and updates are downloaded automatically to keep your device safe.

Windows Security is built-in to Windows 11/10 and includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. (In previous versions, Windows Security was called Windows Defender Security Center).

If you have third-party antivirus software installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn off automatically. If you uninstall the security software, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn back on automatically.

How to open Windows Security

In Windows 11/10, you can open Windows Security in 10 quick and easy ways. We’ll explore this topic under the methods outlined below in this section.

1] Open Windows Security via Start Menu

Click the Start button.
Scroll down the list of installed apps that start with the letter W.
Click or tap the Windows Security entry to open the app.

2] Open Windows Security via Search

Click the search icon on the extreme left of the taskbar.
Type security in the search field.
Click or tap on Windows Security in the list of results, or Open on the right panel.

3] Open Windows Security via Settings app

Windows 11:

Open Settings.
Go to Privacy & security.
Click on Windows Security from the Security section.

Windows 10:

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Tap or click Update & Security category.
On the left pane of the window, select Windows Security.
On the right pane, click or tap Open Windows Security.

4] Open Windows Security via Cortana

Enable Cortana (if not already enabled) on your Windows 11/10 device.
Activate it by saying “Hey Cortana” or by clicking or tapping the icon on the extreme left of the taskbar.
Say “open Windows Security”.
Cortana should confirm your command by answering “All right. Starting Windows Security” while launching the app.

5] Open Windows Security via Desktop Shortcut

Open the Start Menu.
Scroll to locate the Windows Security entry.
Drag and drop Windows Security to the desktop. If you execute the move correctly, a Link text together with the Windows Security shortcut accompanies your cursor as you move it across the desktop.
Release the left-click mouse button (or your finger from the touchscreen) anywhere on the desktop. Windows will create a new shortcut on that spot.
You can now double-click or double-tap the desktop shortcut to open Windows Security.

6] Open Windows Security via pinning to Taskbar and Start Menu

Open the Start Menu.
Scroll to locate the Windows Security entry.
Right-click or tap and hold on the shortcut until a contextual menu appears.
Select Pin to Start which appends Windows Security to the Start Menu.

OR

Choose More, from the context menu.
Then, select Pin to the taskbar which appends Windows Security to the Taskbar.

Alternatively, you can achieve the same results from the search panel.

Click the search icon on the extreme left of the taskbar.
Type security in the search field.
Wait for the search results to appear.
On the preview panel to the right, you can choose Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.

7] Open Windows Security via Run dialog box

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog box.
In the Run dialog box, type windowsdefender: and hit Enter to open Windows Security Center.

8] Open Windows Security via PowerShell or Command Prompt

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type cmd and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
In the command prompt window, type the command below and hit Enter.

start windowsdefender:

Press Windows key + X to open Power User Menu.
Then press I on the keyboard to launch PowerShell.
In the PowerShell console, type the command above and hit Enter.

The command works on both PowerShell and CMD Prompt.

9] Open Windows Security via Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.
If you get the compact view of the Task Manager, click/tap on More details.
In the File menu, click or tap Run new task.
In the Create new task window, type windowsdefender: and hit Enter or click or tap OK. to start Windows Security.

10] Open Windows Security via File Explorer

Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
Now, press Alt key + D to highlight the address bar.
In the File Explorer address bar, type windowsdefender: and hit Enter to launch Windows Security.

That’s it on the ten ways to launch Windows Security in Windows 11/10!

Read: Download Windows 11 Security eBook from Microsoft

How do I open Windows Security in Windows 11?

Windows Security is a built-in Windows app, so, you can launch it just like any other application. The easiest way would be to search “Windows Security” from the Start Menu and launch the app. You can also check out other methods mentioned earlier in this post.

Also Read: Windows Security in Windows 11 not opening or working.

Obinna@TWC

Obinna has completed B.Tech in Information & Communication Technology. He has worked as a System Support Engineer, primarily on User Endpoint Administration, as well as a Technical Analyst, primarily on Server/System Administration. He also has experience as a Network and Communications Officer. He has been a Windows Insider MVP (2020) and currently owns and runs a Computer Clinic.