Microsoft continues to bring improvements to Windows 10. The tech giant always strives to improve the functionality, performance, and security of the operating system. For instance, on Windows 10 version 1703, Windows Defender Antivirus starts to run as soon as users boot their PC. This way, they can have active protection against security threats like viruses and malware.
You will know how Windows Defender Antivirus has been protecting your system when you check the Windows Defender Security Center. You will see the following messages:
- Your definitions were last updated. Definitions are files that Windows Defender Antivirus uses to protect your device against the latest threats.
- Your device was last scanned for threats.
- The Device performance and health scan was run to ensure your device is operating efficiently.
Now, if you want to know how to see the virus protection details in Windows 10 Security, let us know in the comments below and we’ll feature the steps in our next blog post.
7 Security Areas in Windows Defender Security Center
It is also worth noting that when Microsoft released version 17093, it added the Account Protection and Device Security Protection areas to the Windows Defender Security Center. The utility features seven areas that protect your device. You can also access it to manage how you want your PC to be protected. Here are the areas that Windows Defender secures:
- Virus & threat protection – This feature runs scans, detects threats, and downloads updates to help identify new viruses and malware. On version 1709, this section also offers configuration settings for controlled folder access.
- Account Protection – When you sign in to Windows, the new Account Protection pillar protects your identity. You will be encouraged to set up Windows Fingerprint, Hello Face, or PIN sign-in. If applicable, Account Protection will also notify you if Dynamic Loc has stopped working because your PC’s Bluetooth is inactive.
- Firewall & network protection – In this area, you will be able to manage the Windows Defender Firewall settings. You can also monitor what’s happening with your Internet connections and networks.
- App & browser control – This feature allows you to use Windows Defender SmartScreen, which can protect your computer against potentially dangerous files, sites, apps, and downloads. Moreover, it provides a customizable exploit protection feature.
- Device Security – You can get a better insight into the security features integrated with your Windows computer. You can access this area to manage your PC’s built-in security features. Moreover, you can use it to generate security status reports.
- Device performance & health – Access this page to get reports on your computer’s performance and health. This feature can also help you keep your PC clean and up-to-date with the latest version of your operating system.
- Family options – If you’re a parent, you can use this feature to manage your children’s online experience.
Microsoft regularly updates or tweaks these security areas with every new build it rolls out. For example, in version 1709, the tech company hid the Account Protection feature from users of the computer. If you do not need the feature or if you do not have access to it, this update can be useful. So, we are going to teach you how to hide Account Protection in Windows Security in Windows 10.
Once you decide to hide the Account Protection area, you will no longer see it on Windows Defender Security Center’s homepage. Of course, its icon will not appear on the left-pane menu of the app. Now, if you want the feature back, do not worry. We will also teach you how to see Account Protection in Windows Security in Windows 10.
Note: Before you proceed, make sure you use the administrator user account on your PC. Otherwise, you won’t be able to hide or show the Account Protection area in the Windows Defender Security Center.
Method 1: Hiding or Showing Account Protection in Windows Security via the Local Group Policy Editor
Keep in mind that the Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions. So, if you own a different OS edition, we recommend that you move on to Method 2. Now, if you’re ready to use the Local Group Policy Editor, follow the steps below:
- On your keyboard, press Windows Key+S. Doing so will bring up the Search box.
- Inside the Search box, type “gpedit.msc” (no quotes) or “group policy” (no quotes).
- Press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Now, go to the left pane and navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration ->Administrative Templates ->Windows components ->Windows Defender Security Center ->Account Protection
If you’re using Windows build 17661 or later, the path should be as follows:
Computer Configuration ->Administrative Templates ->Windows components ->Windows Security ->Account Protection
- Once you’ve reached the Account Protection folder, move to the right pane.
- Double-click the ‘Hide the Account protection area’ policy. Doing so will allow you to modify the policy.
- To see Account Protection in Windows Security, select Not Configured or Disabled.
- Click OK, then close the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Now, if you want to hide Account protection in Windows Security, you need to select Enabled.
- Make sure you click OK to save the changes you’ve made. Close the Local Group Policy Editor once you’re done.
Method 2: Hiding or Showing Account Protection in Windows Security via the Windows Registry
Before you proceed, you should know that the Windows Registry is a sensitive database. The smallest mistake can render your computer useless. So, if you are not confident with your tech skills, we recommend that you seek the help of a professional. On the other hand, if you think you can follow the instructions to a tee, proceed to the steps below:
- Press Windows Key+R on your keyboard to open the run dialog box.
- Inside the Run dialog box, type “regedit” (no quotes), then click OK.
- Once you’re inside Registry Editor, navigate to this path:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Account protection
- Now, move to the right pane and right-click the UILockdown DWORD.
- To show Account Protection in Windows Security, select Delete.
- To hide Account Protection in Windows Security, select Modify, then change the Value Data to 1.
- Once you’ve completed the steps, exit the Registry Editor, then restart your computer.
Pro Tip: If you want more reliable protection for your computer, we suggest that you reinforce your security by using Auslogics Anti-Malware. This tool can detect threats you’d never suspect existed. What’s more, it was designed by a certified Microsoft Silver Application Developer. So, it won’t interfere with your main anti-virus and any system operations.
How do you use the Account Protection feature in Windows 10?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share them in the comments below!
