14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve known for a while that Microsoft was working on a new UI for Windows Defender that was expected to make its debut in the Creators Update in the spring, and now the company is offering insiders a preview of the new dashboard with build 14986.
The new Windows Defender dashboard is integrated into this new build for the Fast ring and comes with a look that brings it in line with the other universal apps that Microsoft is offering in Windows 10, but keeps the features that the antivirus app already had.
The look, however, is a lot simpler and cleaner, making it super-easy to get information on your PC security status, the date when the last scan was performed, and when the application was updated.
There are also quick shortcuts for features such as virus and threat protection, firewall and network protection, and family options.
Just an early look
Microsoft explained that this feature is still in the works right now, and the version included in today’s build is only a preview of what’s to come, so expect many more improvements to be released in the coming weeks and months until the Creators Update goes live in spring 2017.
“We are making it easier for you to view and control Windows 10 device security and health features available on your PC or tablet with the availability of a new dashboard coming in the Windows 10 Creators Update. Windows Insiders will get a preview of the new experience beginning today,” Microsoft’s Dona Sarkar, head of the Windows Insider program, explained.
“After upgrading to this build, Insiders will have to restart their PC. After that, they can find the dashboard by searching for ‘Windows Defender’ and clicking on the search result that says ‘Windows Defender/Trusted Windows Store app’. Remember, the dashboard is a work-in-progress and not fully functional just yet.”
The Creators Update is projected to launch in March 2017 and many more builds are expected to come in the meantime, so expect this UI to be substantially refined before the final bits are delivered to users.