Windows Security: The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Accounts

To use Windows 11 safely,Virus and threat protection"Securing your account" is just as important.

Many users tend to skip over this screen, thinking "it's fine because there's a green check mark," but what exactly does it monitor and what functions does it provide?

This time, we will explain how to view the "Account Protection" screen in Windows Security and provide details on each setting item.

What does "Account Protection" mean?

"Account Protection" is a dashboard that manages the IDs you use to sign in to Windows (Microsoft accounts and local accounts) and the status of authentication features (Windows Hello and Dynamic Lock).

If this is normal (green check mark), it means that your PC's "identity verification" security is working properly.

1. Microsoft Account Status

The status of the account currently signed in to Windows is displayed at the top of the screen.

• Microsoft account: If you sign in with a Microsoft account, you'll see the message "Enhanced security," which suggests that multi-factor authentication and cloud-based security features are in place.

This section contains two important links:

1. View account information: Click to open the Windows"Settings" > "Account" > "User Information"This will open a settings page where you can change your account picture, see options for switching between a local account and a Microsoft account, and more. (If you want to access the web management screen, go to "Accounts" under "Related Settings" in the settings screen that opens.)
2. Manage your sync settings: Clicking this will open Windows Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup, where you can configure settings to smoothly restore your current environment when you replace or reset your PC.
   • Sync OneDrive folders: Set whether to store important data such as your desktop, documents, and photos in the cloud.
   • Remember the app: Remembers your list of installed apps and lets you quickly restore them from the Microsoft Store on your new PC.
   • Save your settings: The following Windows settings can be saved to the cloud to provide the same user experience on other PCs:
     • Accessibility: Settings for Narrator, Magnifier, etc.
     • Account, WiFi network, password: Saved WiFi passwords, etc.
     • Personalization: Theme settings for wallpaper, colors, etc.
     • Language settings and dictionaries: Japanese input learning history, etc.
     • Other Windows settings: Explorer settings etc.

*If "Caution required" is displayed here: This means that you need to change your password or re-authenticate your identity. If you leave it unattended, synchronization may stop, so it's best to take action as soon as possible.

2. Windows Hello (Face, Fingerprint, PIN)

The display will differ depending on the status of Windows Hello (Face, Fingerprint, or PIN).

A. If already set (green check)

The message "Windows Hello is set up for faster, more secure sign-in" will appear, indicating that your security is ensured.

B. Not set (yellow warning icon)

If the recommended security settings have not been completed, you will see the following message along with a yellow exclamation mark:

"Set up Windows Hello for fast and secure sign-in.'

Here you will find the following buttons and links:

• set up: Click toPIN creation wizard(This is because you must first set a PIN to use Windows Hello.)
• Manage sign-in options: Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• ignore: This will clear the warning but leave you with weak security.

[TIPS] How to restore a "ignored" warning

Once you click "Ignore," you cannot undo it from the Windows Security screen.

If you accidentally clicked "Ignore" and want to return to the original warning state, you will need to manipulate the registry using the following steps.

Steps (using PowerShell):

1.Start buttonRight-click and open Terminal.

2. Copy and paste the following command and execute it (Enter):

• Copy the command and right-click on the terminal (PowerShell) to paste it.

Remove-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows Security Health\State" -Name "AccountProtection_WindowsHello_Available"

3. Reopen Windows Security and you will see the "Setup" warning again.

C. If "Stopped working" is displayed (error)

As shown in the image,Windows Hello has stopped working." may be displayed and a "Reset PIN" button may appear.

• the reason: If you have already set up a PIN or biometric authentication,You later disabled the TPM in the BIOS/UEFIThe main cause is that the authentication information held by Windows is inconsistent (mismatched) when the TPM is cleared (initialized).
• Solution: Click the "Reset PIN" button and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your PIN. *Even if the TPM is disabled, resetting your PIN will resolve this error and restore your sign-in function.

D. If the item itself is not displayed

If the Windows Hello settings item itself does not appear on the screen, the following may be the cause.

• During a remote desktop connection: This item will be automatically hidden during a remote session, as you cannot use the camera or fingerprint sensor on the PC itself to set up the device. To check the settings, you will need to access the PC in person.

3. Dynamic Lock

At the bottom of the screen is the "Dynamic Lock" feature. This is a convenient security feature that automatically locks Windows based on the strength of the Bluetooth signal when you walk away from your PC with your paired smartphone (iPhone or Android).

• Feature benefits: This prevents people from peeking or operating your device illicitly when you accidentally leave your desk at a cafe or office and forget to lock your screen.
• How to set it up:
  1. First, pair your smartphone and PC via Bluetooth.
  2. Click the Dynamic Lock Settings link.
  3. Windows will open "Settings" > "Accounts" > "Sign-in options" and automatically move (focus) to the Dynamic Lock item.
  4. To enable this, check "Allow Windows to automatically lock my device when I'm away."

※The image below shows a PC andAQUOS sense10" is currently being paired.

It says "Not available in remote sessions"

Depending on your environment, Dynamic Lock may be grayed out and display the message "Not available in a remote session." This is because you are currently operating this PC via Remote Desktop or Hyper-V Enhanced Session. Dynamic Lock is a feature that measures the physical distance (Bluetooth radio waves) between the PC and your smartphone. It is normal for the feature to be disabled when operating remotely.

Summary

The "Account Protection" screen is a place that you don't usually touch, butDouble-check your account information,Backup SettingsIt also plays an important role in preventing you from forgetting to lock your device when you leave your desk.

If you see an exclamation mark on the shield icon (Windows Security) in the task tray, first open this screen and review your settings.