Solved Microsoft Essentials

[Generally Aware]

Good Afternoon,
I use my laptop at home usually once a week. I run a full scan each time but every time I turn on essentials it is red and says computer not being protected. Turns green after I start scan. What is the problem?
Thanks

 

[Barman58]

No problem, but most AV/Security apps depend on downloading definition files which keeps the program up to date with the latest Viruses and other malware. these are downloaded on a regular schedule and if a set number are missed it will indicate an unprotected condition.

Not sure what the actual timings are on security essentials but it will be at least daily, My system is Bitdefender Pro and it updates hourly, if I miss a single file it shows a "Danger not protected" warning.

In your situation when you run a scan the first thing it does is download the latest definition files so you see the green status

 

[Generally Aware]

Thanks. So it's OK to show red until I scan?

 

[Barman58]

Showing Red is just a warning that the system is not up to date, so it's not a worry given your usage pattern, obviously if you were using a system 24/7 as I do, the red status would be a potential issue that would need checking for a cause.

I see the unprotected status on some devices that I only use occasionally until they have time to update, which is automatic