Don’t worry — this is a common issue and usually easy to fix!
“Windows Security — Threats Found”
What This Means (In Plain English)
Windows detected a potentially harmful file or program on your computer. This is your computer protecting you — it has already quarantined the threat.
Common Causes
- •Downloading a file from an untrusted website
- •Opening a suspicious email attachment
- •Visiting a compromised website
- •A program bundled with unwanted software
How to Fix It — Step by Step
- 1
Click on the notification to open Windows Security.
- 2
Review the threat — Windows will tell you what was found and where.
- 3
Click "Remove" or "Quarantine" to let Windows handle it.
- 4
Run a full scan: Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Scan Options > Full Scan.
- 5
Do not open the file that was flagged.
- 6
If the threat came from a download, delete the downloaded file.
- 7
Change your passwords if you think you may have entered them on a suspicious website.
How to Prevent This in the Future
Keep Windows Security turned on at all times. Do not download files from unknown websites. Do not open email attachments from people you do not know.
Still stuck? Don’t worry!
If the steps above did not solve the problem, ask a trusted friend or family member for help, or contact us and we will do our best to assist you.