Privacy and Security Add Windows Security to Desktop Context Menu in Windows 11


Windows_Security_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to add "Windows Security" to the Desktop context menu for all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Windows Security is built-in to Windows 11 and includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows 11. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats.

Windows Security is your home to view and manage the security and health of your device.
  • Virus & threat protection - Monitor threats to your device, run scans, and get updates to help detect the latest threats. (Some of these options are unavailable if you're running Windows 10 in S mode.)
  • Account protection - Access sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock.
  • Firewall & network protection - Manage firewall settings and monitor what’s happening with your networks and internet connections.
  • App & browser control - Update settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to help protect your device against potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads. You'll have exploit protection and you can customize protection settings for your devices.
  • Device security - Review built-in security options to help protect your device from attacks by malicious software.
  • Device performance & health - View status info about your device’s performance health, and keep your device clean and up to date with the latest version of Windows 10.
  • Family options - Keep track of your kids’ online activity and the devices in your household.
  • Protection history - Where you can go to view actions that Microsoft Defender Antivirus has taken on your behalf, Potentially Unwanted Apps that have been removed, or key services that are turned off.
  • Security providers - Manage the apps and services that protect your device.
  • Notifications - Windows Security will send notifications and critical information about the health and security of your device. You can specify which informational notifications you want.

While you must be signed in as an administrator to add or remove the "Windows Security" context menu, all users can use the context menu if added.



EXAMPLE: Windows Security desktop context menu

In Windows 11, you will need to click/tap on Show more options first by default, then click/tap on Windows Security.

This Windows Security context menu includes underline access keys to also open items with.


Show_more_options.png
Windows_Security_context_menu.png



Here's How:

1 Do step 2 (add) or step 3 (remove) below for what you want.

2 Add "Windows Security" to Desktop Context Menu

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Add_Windows_Security_to_desktop_context_menu.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity]
"Icon"="%ProgramFiles%\\Windows Defender\\EppManifest.dll,-101"
"MUIVerb"="Windows &Security"
"Position"="Bottom"
"SubCommands"=""


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\001flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Home"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\001flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender:"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\002flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Virus and threat protection"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\002flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://threat"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\003flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Account protection"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\003flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://account"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\004flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Firewall and network protection"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\004flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://network"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\005flyout]
"MUIVerb"="App and &browser control"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\005flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://appbrowser"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\006flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Device security"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\006flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://devicesecurity"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\007flyout]
"MUIVerb"="D&evice performance and health"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\007flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://perfhealth"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\008flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Family options"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\008flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://family"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\009flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Protection history"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\009flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://history"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\010flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Security providers"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\010flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://providers"


[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\011flyout]
"MUIVerb"="&Notifications"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity\shell\011flyout\command]
@="explorer windowsdefender://settings"

3 Remove "Windows Security" from Desktop Context Menu

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Remove_Windows_Security_from_desktop_context_menu.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\WindowsSecurity]

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


Related Tutorials

 

Attachments

Last edited:
Click to expand...
Is there a way The Windows Defender Firewall cpl applet could be pinned to the taskbar?

Thanks!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP ZBook G2
    CPU
    Intel® Core i7 5500u
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Family Graphics AMD Firepro 4150M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Audio
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Mouse
    HP USB Mouse
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm Free Antivirus/Zone Alarm Free Firewall NEXT GEN
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Zbook G4
    CPU
    Xeon 1535m v6
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Quadro Pro 4100
    Sound Card
    Bang and Olufson Audio
    Hard Drives
    1TB SSD
    Mouse
    HP USB Mouse
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm Free Antivirus/Zone Alarm Free Firewall NEXT GEN
NormanF said:
Is there a way The Windows Defender Firewall cpl applet could be pinned to the taskbar?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Hello Norman, :alien:

You can create a shortcut using the command below to directly open the Windows Defender Firewall CP.

RunDll32 shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL firewall.cpl
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Thanks, I was looking for that shortcut.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP ZBook G2
    CPU
    Intel® Core i7 5500u
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Family Graphics AMD Firepro 4150M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Audio
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Mouse
    HP USB Mouse
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm Free Antivirus/Zone Alarm Free Firewall NEXT GEN
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Zbook G4
    CPU
    Xeon 1535m v6
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Quadro Pro 4100
    Sound Card
    Bang and Olufson Audio
    Hard Drives
    1TB SSD
    Mouse
    HP USB Mouse
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm Free Antivirus/Zone Alarm Free Firewall NEXT GEN

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Hi @Brink. :)

Is there a way to add a 'scan for viruses' or 'scan for malware' option to the context menu? (I had a 'scan for viruses' option in my context menu when I used Kaspersky and found it useful sometimes.)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Build: 22631.5335 (Retail)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12600K
    Motherboard
    ASRock B760M PG Riptide
    Memory
    Crucial Classic DDR5-4800 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 good old Benq model
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000 SSD 512GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 NVMe
    PSU
    Seasonic G12 GM 750Watt
    Case
    metal, 15+ years old, ATX/mATX
    Cooling
    Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120
    Keyboard
    Lenovo, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    First time DIY build.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2, Build: 22631.4751 (OEM)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire XC-1760
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12400
    Motherboard
    Acer Andrew H610 (PCIe Gen 4)
    Memory
    8 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730
    Sound Card
    Integrated, HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    old Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (WD or Kingston, not sure), 512GB, partitioned into C & D drives.
    PSU
    Brand unknown. 180W. (80 Plus Gold certification)
    Case
    Slim, DTX
    Cooling
    Brand unknown. Air cooling.
    Keyboard
    Lenovo (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech (wired)
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Extra CPU details:
    Intel UHD Graphics, 6 cores, 12 threads, 2.5 GHz, LGA1700, Intel H610 Chipset.
Trying to learn said:
Hi @Brink. :)

Is there a way to add a 'scan for viruses' or 'scan for malware' option to the context menu? (I had a 'scan for viruses' option in my context menu when I used Kaspersky and found it useful sometimes.)
Click to expand...

Hello, :alien:

If you're using the built-in Microsoft Defender, then you should have a "Scan with Microsoft Defender" context menu by default.

www.elevenforum.com

Add or Remove "Scan with Microsoft Defender" Context Menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the "Scan with Microsoft Defender" context menu your account or all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is an antivirus software that is included in Windows 11 and can help protect your device from viruses, malware...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
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