10 ways to start Windows Security in Windows 10

10 ways to start Windows Security in Windows 10

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:

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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.

Opening Windows Security from the Windows 10 Start Menu
Opening Windows Security from the Windows 10 Start Menu

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.

Searching for Windows Security in Windows 10
Searching for Windows Security in Windows 10

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.

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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.

Opening Windows Security from the Windows 10 Settings app
Opening Windows Security from the Windows 10 Settings app

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.

Asking Cortana to open Windows Security
Asking Cortana to open Windows Security

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.

Creating a Windows Security shortcut on the desktop
Creating a Windows Security shortcut on the desktop

From now on, you can double click or double tap the shortcut to launch Windows Security.

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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."

Pinning Windows Security to Start or taskbar
Pinning Windows Security to Start or 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.

Pinning Windows Security to Start or taskbar
Pinning Windows Security to Start or 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.

Opening Windows Security from the Run window
Opening Windows Security from the Run window

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.

Opening Windows Security from PowerShell
Opening Windows Security from PowerShell

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.

Opening Windows Security from the Task Manager
Opening Windows Security from the Task Manager

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.

Opening Windows Security from File Explorer
Opening Windows Security from File Explorer

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.

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