Using Windows Security Center
In this articleWindows Security Center can help enhance your computer's security by checking the status of several security essentials on your computer, including firewall settings, Windows automatic updating, anti-malware software settings, Internet security settings, and User Account Control settings. If Windows detects a problem with any of these security essentials (for example, if your antivirus program is out of date), Security Center displays a notification and places a Security Center icon 
in the notification area.
Click the notification or double-click the Security Center icon to open Security Center and get information about how to fix the problem.
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| Windows Security Center |
Firewall
A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers.Windows checks if your computer is protected by a software firewall. If the firewall is off, Security Center will display a notification and put a Security Center icon in the notification area. For more information about using a software firewall, see What is a firewall?
| To turn on Windows Firewall |
| | 1.
| Open Security Center by clicking the Start button  , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center. | | 2.
| Click Firewall, and then click Turn on now.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. | |
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Automatic updating
Windows can routinely check for updates for your computer and install them automatically. You can use Security Center to make sure Automatic updating is turned on. If updating is turned off, Security Center will display a notification and put a Security Center icon in the notification area. For more information about automatic updating, see Change how Windows installs or notifies you about updates and What are updates?
| To turn on automatic updating |
| | 1.
| Open Security Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center. | | 2.
| Click Automatic updating, and then click Turn on now. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. |
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Malicious software protection
Malicious software (malware) protection can help protect your computer against viruses, spyware, and other security threats. Security Center checks if your computer is using up-to-date antispyware and antivirus software. If your antivirus or antispyware software is turned off or out of date, Security Center will display a notification and put a Security Center icon in the notification area. For more information about how anti-malware software can help protect your computer, see Using anti-malware software to help protect your computer.
| To install or update your anti-malware software |
| | 1.
| Open Security Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center. | | 2.
| Click Malware protection, click the button under Virus protection or Spyware and other malware protection, and then choose the option that you want. |
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Other security settings
Windows checks your Internet security settings and User Account Control settings to make sure they are set at the recommended levels. If your Internet or User Account Control settings are changed to a security level that is not recommended, Security Center will display a notification and put a Security Center icon in the notification area.
| To restore Internet settings to recommended levels |
| | 1.
| Open Security Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center. | | 2.
| Click Other security settings. | | 3.
| Under Internet security settings, click Restore settings. | | 4.
| Do one of the following: | • | To automatically reset the Internet security settings that are at risk to their default level, click Restore my Internet security settings now. | | • | To reset the Internet security settings yourself, click I want to restore my Internet security settings myself. Click the security zone you want to change settings for, and then click Custom level. |
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| To restore User Account Control settings to recommended levels |
| | 1.
| Open Security Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center. | | 2.
| Click Other security settings. | | 3.
| Under User Account Control, click Turn on now. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. |
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Notification area
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Notification area
The area on the right side of the Windows taskbar. It contains shortcuts to programs and important status information.
Worm
A self-replicating program, similar to a virus. A worm can make it possible for a malicious user to take over your computer or can send out enough copies of itself to cause your computer or a web or network server to stop responding.
Malicious software
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Malicious software
Software designed to deliberately harm your computer. For example, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are malicious software. Also known as malware.
Spyware
Software that can display advertisements (such as pop-up ads), collect information about you, or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent.
Virus
A malicious computer program designed specifically to replicate itself and spread from computer to computer. A virus may damage hardware, software, or data.
Help and How-to
