Is it okay for Windows Security to have an exclamation mark?

Windows Security is a set of built-in Windows tools with anti-virus and security capabilities. When you see Windows Security with an exclamation mark, it is definitely related to some security or computer protection issues. In a special case it is not at fault.

In case Windows Security has an exclamation mark when scanning for errors

The basic features of Windows Security are to prevent threats to your computer such as:

1. Problems from viruses (scan and identify viruses).
2. Protect account settings.
3. Install a firewall and monitor your Internet connection
4. Protect your device from malware.

Therefore, when there is an exclamation mark icon here, Click on Windows Security and check to see what problem you are having.

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At this time, the Windows Security working window will appear.

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You can immediately click on notifications to fix existing errors right in the Home tab of Windows Security.

[Because there is not enough error data to illustrate, TipsMake will also follow instructions for using Windows Security. It can resolve errors that have to convert exclamation marks to green ticks].

If there is a notice to remove Virus

Now under the exclamation mark shield icon there will be no text 'No action needed'.

Now scan to find malware on your computer. Select Quick scan (Win 10) or Scan options (Win 11), remember to select Full Scan for a complete scan.

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This will let Windows Security search for malicious virus locations. Then notify and restrict access of that software.

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Security firewall

Select  'Firewall & network protection ' under ' Windows Security '. Then select Allow an app through firewall to allow applications to pass through the firewall.

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Proceed with settings for applications and websites blocked by Windows Security. But make sure the app and web are secure enough that you can remove the firewall.

You apply the same to other security settings when there is a repair notice!

If applying the repair methods on Windows Security is not successful and keeps reporting errors, you need to fix that error in another way. Please leave a comment to let TipsMake know what error you are encountering so I can give detailed instructions on how to fix it.

In case there is an exclamation mark but there is no repair notice

1. This is a special case where Windows Security has an exclamation mark but when the window opens everything is still green.

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Most likely it is because 'Block potentially unwanted apps' has been turned off and is not working.

Windows 10, search for ' Potentially unwanted app blocking ' in Windows Search.

For Windows 11, search for 'App & browser control'. [Full:  Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Turn on Reputation-based protection settings !)

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When turned on, Windows Security turns off unwanted applications and the exclamation mark disappears.

1. If you still don't know, try another method.

Go to the drive according to the following path: C: ProgramDataMicrosoft

Next, find Windows Defender. Select the Sacns folder and then History . Select the Service section.

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Here you drag and select all items and then press delete.

Finally, restart your computer so that  Windows Defender can update it.

You will see that Windows Security has made the exclamation mark icon disappear, replaced by a check mark. This is a very effective method to delete previous (error-ridden) history.

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Summary of all the instructions in TipsMake's article will hopefully help you remove Windows Security with exclamation marks in the safest and most optimal way. Of course there may be other methods in the future, so please leave a comment if you know of them.

Samuel Daniel

Update 02 August 2024