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To find which antivirus is installed on your computer, open Windows Security, choose Settings, then select Manage providers. Expand Antivirus to see the security app Windows reports as your provider.
This works in Windows 11 and Windows 10. It is more useful than looking for a tray icon, because an icon can be hidden and an installed program may not be actively protecting the PC.
Check the antivirus provider in Windows Security
- Open Start, type Windows Security, and open the app.
- Select Settings, usually shown with a gear icon.
- Under Security providers, select Manage providers.
- Expand Antivirus. Read the provider name and the status shown.
- If available, select Open app to open that antivirus and check its own status screen.
Some layouts also show a Who’s protecting me? or Manage providers link on the Virus & threat protection page. Microsoft‘s Windows Security settings guide explains the provider list.
| What appears | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Windows lists its built-in antivirus as the provider. | Open Virus & threat protection and check for alerts, updates and the latest scan. |
| A third-party antivirus name | Windows has a registered provider such as the security app you installed. | Open that app and check whether protection and updates are working. |
| Protection off, expired or attention needed | A product name alone does not mean the PC is protected. | Open the provider and follow the specific status message. |
| No clear provider or a work-policy message | The setup needs another check or may be managed by an organization. | Restart, check the app list, or ask the person who manages the PC. |
Check whether protection is actually on
After finding the installed antivirus, check more than its name:
- Protection status: look for a clear on or protected message, and read any warning.
- Updates: check that the app can get current protection updates.
- Subscription: if it is a paid product, check whether its protection has expired.
- Recent results: look at the latest scan and any action the app says is still needed.
If Microsoft Defender Antivirus is your provider, the Virus & threat protection page shows scans, threat history and related controls. A clear scan is useful, but it cannot promise that a PC will never encounter a threat.
If a file has already been blocked, our Windows Defender quarantine guide explains how to review it. Only restore a file when you have checked why it was detected and have a sound reason to trust it.
Find installed antivirus software in the app list
The app list is a second check, especially if you recognize a product name but cannot find its main window.
- Windows 11: open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Windows 10: open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Search for the product name you saw under Manage providers. You can also search Start for it. An app-list entry shows that software is installed; it does not tell you that real-time protection is running.
Why Windows Security and another antivirus both appear
Windows Security is the Windows app that brings several protection areas together. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is one of the protection tools it can report on. Installing a third-party antivirus does not remove the Windows Security app.
With a registered third-party product, Defender’s operating mode depends on the Windows setup and any organization policies. Check the actual provider and status rather than assuming that both products are providing the same protection.
The Firewall and Web protection sections can also name different providers. Read the Antivirus section when your question is specifically about antivirus software.
If no antivirus is shown or Windows Security will not open
- Restart the PC and check Manage providers again.
- Check the installed-app list for the security product you expect to use.
- Open that product directly and read its status or error message.
- On a work or school computer, ask IT before removing or replacing a security product.
- If there is still no active provider, use Microsoft’s Windows Security help or the installed vendor’s support steps.
You do not need to download a test-virus file to identify the installed antivirus. The provider list and the app’s own status screen are the starting points.
Common questions
How do I know if I have antivirus without paying for an app?
Check Manage providers in Windows Security. Windows includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, so the absence of a separate paid antivirus icon does not by itself mean there is no antivirus.
Can I identify antivirus from an alert?
Do not rely on an unexpected browser pop-up. Open Windows Security from Start and check the provider there. A webpage can display a warning without being your antivirus.
How do I reduce antivirus notifications?
Check the security app’s notification settings first. If you only want to control how Windows shows alerts, see our Windows Notification Center guide. Silencing a notification and turning off protection are different actions.