Security

Describes the Account protection area of Windows Security, which shows your Microsoft account status and links to Windows Hello and Dynamic lock settings.

Device Encryption applies BitLocker protection on more devices than full BitLocker, including Windows Home. It turns on by default with a Microsoft or work/school account, while local accounts must enable it manually.

Describes potentially unwanted apps that sit between safe software and malware, such as ad-heavy programs, and how to reduce the risk and remove them.

A plain-language tour of Windows 11's built-in defences against phishing, password theft, malware and scams, including Defender Antivirus, passwordless sign-in, SmartScreen and Smart App Control.

How to use the built-in Windows Security app for antivirus, firewall and other protections, including running scans and managing real-time protection.

Explains that passkeys replace passwords with your device's face, fingerprint or PIN, are tied to a specific site or app, and resist phishing. It includes checks for when passkey options are missing on Windows.

Introduces the Windows Security home page, which shows the status of each protection area with green, yellow or red icons and gives quick access to Defender Antivirus, the firewall and Smart App Control.

Covers the Windows Security settings that guard against unsafe apps, files, sites and downloads, including Smart App Control, SmartScreen reputation checks, phishing protection and exploit protection.

Introduces BitLocker, the Windows feature that encrypts drives so their data stays unreadable if someone reads the disk outside Windows. It outlines Device Encryption versus BitLocker Drive Encryption and stresses backing up your recovery key.

Explains how Windows Firewall filters network traffic and how to view and manage it per network type. It advises allowing a specific app through rather than switching the firewall off.