Laptops For Dummies, 6th Edition
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The first location for checking security issues on your laptop is the Action Center. To view the Action Center in Windows 10, click the Notifications icon on the taskbar. The Action Center lists items requiring attention, such as updating software or checking the status of a failed backup. At the bottom of the Action Center lie the Quick Settings buttons.

The Action Center.
The Action Center.

Click a notification in the Action Center list to carry out whatever task is necessary to deal with the issue.

Windows 10 also sports the traditional Action Center from earlier versions of Windows. It offers more details than the newer Action Center, which confusingly goes by the same name. To display the traditional Action Center, follow these steps:

  1. Display the Control Panel window.

    Press Win+X to show the supersecret menu, and choose the Control Panel item.

  2. Below the System and Security heading, click the link Review Your Computer’s Status.

    The Security and Maintenance screen appears. In older versions of Windows, this screen was known as the Action Center.

    The traditional Action Center.
    The traditional Action Center.

The Security and Maintenance screen displays the status of necessary security measures, including Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, and other protective measures. It may also display warnings prompting you to activate or complete actions that help make your laptop more secure. Follow the directions in the window to carry out those tasks.

About This Article

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Dan Gookin wrote the very first For Dummies book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. PCs For Dummies, now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.

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