Windows Security is the go-to app when you want to know more about security in Windows 10. It is where you can find what your antivirus has been doing, what your firewall has to say, and so on. However, before you can get any information, you must know how to get there. That's why, in this article, we show you several ways to open Windows Security in Windows 10, using shortcuts, clicks and taps as well as by running commands:
1. Open Windows Security using the Start Menu
You can open Windows Security from the Windows 10 Start Menu. Click or tap the Start button, scroll down to the list of apps that start with the letter W and click or tap the Windows Security shortcut.
2. Open Windows Security using the search
Type security in the search field found on your Windows 10 taskbar, and click or tap on Windows Security in the list of results, or the Open action from the panel on the right.
An even faster way is to start typing security in the search field and press the Enter key on your keyboard, as soon as you see the Windows Security search result.
3. Open Windows Security from the Settings app
If you prefer using the Settings app to open Windows Security, you can. Launch Settings and go to the Update & Security category. On the left side of the window, select Windows Security and then, on the right side, click or tap Open Windows Security.
4. Open Windows Security by asking Cortana to do it
If Cortana is enabled in Windows 10, activate it by saying "Hey Cortana" or by clicking or tapping her button. Say "open Windows Security" and Cortana should confirm your command by answering "All right. Starting Windows Security" while launching the app.
5. Create a link to Windows Security on your desktop
If you want faster access to Windows Security, you can pin a link to the app on your desktop. To do that, open the Start Menu and locate the Windows Security shortcut. Then, 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, and Windows 10 creates a new shortcut right there, on the spot.
From now on, you can double click or double tap the shortcut to launch Windows Security.
6. Pin Windows Security on your taskbar or Start Menu
Locate the Windows Security shortcut in the Start Menu. Then, right-click or tap and hold on the shortcut until a contextual menu appears. The first option in the menu is "Pin to Start" which fixes Windows Security to the Start Menu. If you choose More, an extension opens, where you have the option to "Pin to taskbar."
You can achieve the same results from the search panel. Type security in the search field on your taskbar, and then wait for the search results to appear. Select Windows Security and, on the preview panel to the right, you can choose to pin it to your Start Menu or the taskbar.
7. Open Windows Security using the Run window
Press Win + R on the keyboard to open the Run window. In the Open field type windowsdefender: and press Enter on your keyboard, or click or tap OK.
8. Open Windows Security from Command Prompt or PowerShell
You can use Command Prompt or PowerShell too. In any of these apps, type "start windowsdefender:" in the command line and press Enter.
9. Open Windows Security from the Task Manager
You can open Windows Security using the Task Manager. Launch Task Manager (a quick way is to press the Control + Shift + Escape keys simultaneously). 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 press Enter or click or tap OK.
10. Open Windows Security from File Explorer
File Explorer offers another convenient way to start Windows Security. Open File Explorer and type windowsdefender: in the address bar. Then, press Enter on your keyboard.
Which method do you use more often?
Try out all the methods we shared, then pick your favorite and leave a comment. What is the most convenient way of opening Windows Security? Also, if you know other methods, share them with us.
