Account Security Problems

How to Check if Your Computer is Protected from Threats

Steve K Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to verify their computer's security status after receiving warnings about severe threats, to determine if the alerts are genuine or fraudulent.

How to Check if Your Computer is Protected from Threats

Product: Windows Security / Microsoft Defender
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Investigating unexpected security alerts and ensuring the system's antivirus software is active and functioning correctly.
Observed behavior: The user receives a severe threat notification but is unsure if it originates from their actual security software or if it is a fake browser pop-up.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your computer with an administrator account to access all security settings. Do not click on any suspicious pop-ups or call phone numbers displayed in sudden browser alerts.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Threat Status Using Windows Security

Use the built-in Windows Security application to accurately check your protection status, review recent threat history, and perform system scans.

Legitimate security warnings will always be logged within your operating system's dedicated security application. Checking here helps differentiate real threats from fake internet pop-ups.

Open Windows Security

Click the Start menu, type 'Windows Security' in the search bar, and select the application from the results list.

Check Virus & Threat Protection

Click on 'Virus & threat protection' to view your current active security provider and verify that real-time protection is turned on.

Review Protection History

Click 'Protection history' to see a detailed log of recently detected threats. If the alert you saw is not listed here, it was likely a fraudulent browser notification.

Run a Full System Scan

If you suspect your system is compromised, click 'Scan options', select 'Full scan', and click 'Scan now' to thoroughly check all files and programs.

Verify Threat Status Using Windows Security

Microsoft 365 Defender for Business: If you are using a company device and the alert originates from Microsoft 365 Defender, immediately contact your organization's IT administrator and provide them with the exact warning text.

Solution 2

Identify and Block Fraudulent Browser Notifications

Many alarming threat warnings are actually fake alerts pushed through web browsers by malicious websites.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting a threat warning if my computer has antivirus software?

Threat warnings can be legitimate notifications that your antivirus successfully blocked a malicious file. However, they can also be fake pop-ups generated by a website designed to trick you into downloading malware or paying for fake support.

How can I tell if a security alert is real or fake?

Real security alerts from Windows Defender or reputable antivirus software will appear in the application's 'Protection history' log. Fake alerts typically appear as browser notifications, demand immediate payment, or urge you to call a support hotline.

What should I do if I accidentally clicked a suspicious pop-up?

Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet. Open Windows Security, select 'Scan options', and run an 'Offline scan' or 'Full scan'. Once the scan is complete, review your installed programs and uninstall anything unfamiliar.

Does WPS Office help protect against macro viruses?

Yes, WPS Office includes security settings that allow you to disable or prompt before running macros in document files, effectively protecting you from malicious scripts commonly hidden in older Office formats.

Microsoft Office Security Issues