Emily Bennett
How to Fix Windows Defender Not Working in Windows 11
If you’re encountering issues with Windows Defender not working on your Windows 11 device, you are not alone. Many users face this challenge where the Windows Security app fails to open or displays errors stating that Windows Defender is turned off. Such problems can leave your computer vulnerable to threats. This step-by-step guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the common issues associated with Windows Defender, ensuring that your system remains secure.
Step 1: Run System File Checker and DISM Tool
Before diving into other troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to verify that your system files are intact and that there are no underlying issues affecting Windows Defender. Start by running the System File Checker (SFC) tool followed by the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). To do this:
- Press Win + X to open the Power User menu.
- Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- In the terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow. This will initiate a scan of your system files for any corruption. - Once the scan is complete, proceed to repair the Windows image by entering the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter. Wait for this process to complete before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Reset Windows Security App
If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, you may need to reset the Windows Security app. Resetting the app can restore default settings and remove any corrupted configurations. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Open the Windows PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu, typing “PowerShell,” right-clicking on Windows PowerShell, and selecting Run as administrator.
- In the PowerShell terminal, type the following command and hit Enter:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage. This command will reset the Windows Security app. Wait for the process to finish.
Step 3: Check Windows Defender Status in Settings
After resetting the application, it’s vital to check if Windows Defender is enabled in the settings. Here’s how:
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to Privacy & Security and then click on Windows Security.
- Select Virus & Threat Protection. Make sure that real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection are enabled. If they are off, toggle the switches to turn them on.
Step 4: Update Windows to the Latest Version
Software bugs can cause Windows Defender to malfunction. Ensuring that you have the latest updates installed can resolve many issues. To update your Windows 11:
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates, and if there are any available updates, download and install them.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While troubleshooting Windows Defender, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Make sure that no third-party antivirus software is installed, as it can conflict with Windows Defender.
- Check if Windows Defender is disabled via Group Policy Editor. If you’re on a Pro version, type
gpedit.mscin the Run dialog (Win + R) and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus.
Conclusion
Fixing Windows Defender issues in Windows 11 can seem daunting, but by following these structured steps, you can restore its functionality and enhance your system’s security. Always make sure your system is up-to-date and consider additional security measures if ongoing issues arise. Feel free to explore other related guides for maintaining your Windows environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Windows Defender not turning on?
Windows Defender may not turn on due to conflicts with third-party antivirus programs, corrupted system files, or incorrect settings. Follow the outlined steps to troubleshoot.
How do I know if my Windows Defender is working?
You can check the status of Windows Defender by navigating to Settings, selecting Privacy & Security, and then Windows Security. From there, verify if real-time protection is enabled under Virus & Threat Protection.
Can I run another antivirus alongside Windows Defender?
Although it’s possible to run another antivirus alongside Windows Defender, it’s not recommended as it could lead to software conflicts and reduced protection. It’s best to disable one of them for optimal performance.