Disable Security Center Alerts in Windows XP and Vista

In Windows Vista and Windows XP, whenever user disable an important security setting, a Security Center Alert icon will be displayed on the notification area at the taskbar (used to call system tray where the clock resides) with a warning message. The alert trigger events include the following:

  • Disable Windows Firewall.
  • Disable antivirus program.
  • Do not install or uninstall anti-virus.
  • Outdated virus definition and signature.
  • Disable Automatic updates.
  • Turf off User Account Control.
  • Computer requires to restart after applying hotfix or update.


These security concerns is relatively minor and can be safely dismissed, especially if the issue is purposely or intentionally done. In this case, the WSC Alerts icon and message can be turned off so that the system no longer will trigger notification when a problem occurred.

  1. If you can see the Security Center shield icon in the notification area, simply double click on the icon to open Windows Security Center. Else, click on Windows Start button, select Control Panel, and then Windows Security Center.
  2. Click on “Change the way Security Center alerts me” link in the left pane in Windows Vista. In Windows XP, it’s located under Resources section.
  3. In Windows Vista, choose either “Don’t notify me, but display the icon” or “Don’t notify me and don’t display the icon” option, with later as complete disable of all Security Center Alerts.

    Change Security Center Alerts in Vista

    In Windows XP, a Alert Settings dialog box will appear. Clear the Firewall, Automatic Updates, and/or Virus Protection check boxes to disable the respective component’s alert, and then click OK.

Reference

24 Responses to “Disable Security Center Alerts in Windows XP and Vista”

  1. someobody
    November 3rd, 2009 01:29
    24

    So simple that i feel stupid, how on earth did i find it on my own?
    THANKS!

  2. Ricky
    October 17th, 2009 07:24
    23

    when i go into security center, there is no tab “change the way security centers alerts me. what do i do from there.

  3. Mujtaba
    September 9th, 2009 14:30
    22

    Thank u It was helpful

  4. MissLucifer
    September 6th, 2009 03:41
    21

    I doesn’t work for me if I click on the notify thing I get a site to pay it… I tried everything i read on the net and still i got this pop ups… I’m going nuts…

  5. Jeremy
    August 12th, 2009 22:58
    20

    Didn’t think that they would make it that convenient. Alerts were causing minor problems (irritations) with “XP Mode” in Windows 7. Thanks for the article!

  6. Joao
    June 21st, 2009 18:10
    19

    Wow.. never noticed that option! I was getting pretty annoyed every time i turned on my pc..

    Thanks a lot!!

  7. Justice
    June 18th, 2009 08:06
    18

    I have Windows XP and every time I click on “Change the way Security Center alerts me”, it shows me a recommendations box and it doesn’t give me a checklist and I am not able to do it. Can someone please help me!!!

  8. JT
    April 1st, 2009 00:38
    17

    Yep. This one works. Clear and concise. Thanks, Dude.

  9. Tenorio
    March 21st, 2009 07:08
    16

    Thanks! Finally I got rid of that boring little icon!

  10. Trisha
    March 10th, 2009 10:03
    15

    I have XP and I get the warnings about every 10 minutes on my computer and it is really annoying. I tried to uninstall the whole program, but wasn’t able to do so. I came across this thinking I could get rid of the problem, but I can’t even click on the ‘Change the way Security Center alerts me.’ Just wondering if anyone could help me with this problem.

  11. alia
    November 22nd, 2008 13:36
    14

    it doesnt work for me !! somebody help me its driving me CRAAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have windows vista!!!!! please if u can

  12. david
    October 25th, 2008 00:45
    13

    I would really like to know how to disable JUST the Security Center Alert for UAC. I still want the alerts for everything else.

  13. jason
    October 9th, 2008 10:22
    12

    i love it. the stupid thing was alerting me non stop more annoying then clicking on pop ups b4 the pop up blocker…

    that was how annoying this was…
    if u never heard of pop ups…
    u r too young…
    want to trade lives?

  14. Sam
    August 27th, 2008 05:15
    11

    Cheers!
    thats one less anoyance :D

  15. Claus
    July 4th, 2008 02:21
    10

    endlich weg, der windoof dreck!

  16. Marko
    June 29th, 2008 02:20
    9

    Thanks, this was very helpful. I lost my nerves with that notification icon while I found this article.

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    May 12th, 2008 19:27
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    [...] Disable Security Center Alerts in Windows XP and Vista [...]

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    [...] Note: After disabling and turning off UAC, a red X shield icon of Windows Security Center will be displayed in the notification area (system tray). My Digital Life has the guide to remove the Windows Security Center warning icon and messages. [...]

  19. rish
    May 9th, 2008 02:15
    6

    oh man dude that was good, i never thought of gettin rid of that ugly icon..thx a lot!

  20. Mike Scott
    April 26th, 2008 21:06
    5

    I was trying to find a way to just turn off the notification for UAC. I’m not a big fan of disabling the entire security center. I like knowing if there is a problem with my antivirus.

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    [...] PS – Get rid of that damnable icon too. [...]

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