How to Access Protection History in Windows 11

Your computer comes with built-in security software called Microsoft Defender. Sometimes, it takes action behind the scenes to keep your PC safe. This guide shows you how to see exactly what it has been doing.

Why check Protection History?

You should check this page to see if your computer has blocked any viruses, removed unwanted programs, or turned off security features that need your attention. It helps you stay informed about your PC’s health.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish, you will know if your computer is fully protected or if there are specific warnings you need to address to keep your system running smoothly.

How to view your security history

You do not need special permissions for these steps. Anyone using the computer can view this security log.

1. Click the search box on your taskbar.
2. Type Windows Security and click on Windows Security in the results.

3. Once the app opens, click on the Protection history link on the left side or the Protection history tile in the main window.

You will now see a list of recent actions. If you see a red badge, it is a serious issue that needs fixing right away. A yellow badge means you should look at it when you have a moment.

You can use the Filters button to narrow down what you see.

Understanding what you see

• Threat found: Defender found something suspicious and needs you to choose what to do next.
• Threat quarantined: The file is locked away so it cannot harm your computer. You can choose to remove it permanently or restore it if you know it is safe.
• Threat blocked: Defender stopped a threat and removed it automatically.
• Potentially Unwanted Apps (PUA): These are programs that might slow down your PC or show annoying ads. Defender blocks these to keep your computer clean.

Note: Protection History only keeps records for two weeks. After that, the information is cleared automatically.

Summary

The Protection History page is your main dashboard for seeing how Microsoft Defender is protecting your PC. It logs threats, blocked apps, and security recommendations. By checking this page regularly, you can ensure your computer remains secure. Remember that items only stay in this list for 14 days, so check it often if you think something might be wrong.