Windows 10 features a series of tools to help you protect your computer from threats like viruses and other malware. The three main security tools are −

• User Account Control
• Windows Defender
• Windows Firewall

User Account Control

The Windows User Account Control is a tool that warns you when someone or something attempts to change your computer system settings. When this happens, the screen will alert you until an Administrator can confirm the change. This helps protect your computer against accidental changes or malicious software altering your settings.

Initially, this User Account Control is set at a moderate to high level, which means it will notify you only when an application tries to make changes to your computer. However, you can change this setting to your desired level by following these steps −

Step 1 − Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Search bar.

Step 2 − After the Control Panel is open, choose User Accounts.

After choosing User Accounts, click on “Change User Account Control settings”.

In the User Account Control Settings, you can move the slider to the desired position. Windows 10 will give you a summary of how your system will behave under that level.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender is an antivirus and malware protection included in your operating system. It allows you to scan your computer for malicious software, while also checking each file or program you open.

To configure Windows Defender, follow these steps −

Step 1 − Go to SETTINGS and select Update & security.

Step 2 − In the UPDATE & SECURITY window, select Windows Defender.

Here you can customize settings like turning off real-time protection or activating cloudbased protection, which allows Defender to send Microsoft information about security threats it finds.

Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall prevents unauthorized access from outside to get into your computer. By default, it is turned on to protect your computer and your network.

If you want to customize your Firewall, follow these steps −

Step 1 − Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Search bar.

Step 2 − When the Control Panel is open, choose Windows Firewall.

Step 3 − In the Windows Firewall window, you can customize the settings of it by turning it on or off or choosing when to protect your computer.