The Windows Security Center is a component of recent versions of Windows that is designed to alert you when your computer is not protected. By default, the Security Center (called the Action Center in Windows 7) will cause alerts to pop up in the system tray if your computer does not have certain vital components, such as anti-virus software. If you prefer not to install a firewall or virus protection, you may find these alerts bothersome. Change the way the Security Center notifies you of problems to prevent alerts from appearing in your system tray.
Windows XP and Vista
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Step 1
Click the Start button, then click "Control Panel."
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Step 2
Double-click "Security Center."
Step 3
Click "Change the way Security Center alerts me."
Step 4
Remove the checks from the boxes labeled "Firewall," "Automatic Updates" and "Virus Protection" and click "OK" if you are running Windows XP. In Windows Vista, click "Don't notify me and don't display the icon." The window will close automatically after you click the link.
Windows 7
Step 1
Click the Start button, then click "Control Panel."
Step 2
Click "Action Center" if your computer is set up to show all Control Panel items. Click "Review your computer's status" if your Control Panel is set up to show items by category.
Step 3
Click "Change Action Center settings."
Step 4
Remove all of the check marks shown on the screen and click "OK."