Lorene Melone
How to Fix Windows Security Not Opening on Windows 10 & 11
If you’re facing issues with Windows Security or Windows Defender not opening on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through comprehensive steps to troubleshoot and resolve these issues. By following this tutorial, you will learn how to restart Windows Security services, run system scans, and even reinstall Windows Security if necessary. The goal is to restore your Windows Security functionality efficiently and effectively.
Before you start troubleshooting, ensure your Windows OS is up to date. You can check for updates by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Having the latest updates installed can often resolve compatibility issues that may prevent Windows Security from functioning correctly.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
The simplest solution often yields the best results. Restart your computer to clear temporary glitches that may be preventing Windows Security from opening. After the restart, try to launch Windows Security again by double-clicking the shield icon located at the bottom right corner of your screen. If this resolves the issue, you’re good to go!
Step 2: Restart Windows Security Services
If restarting your computer didn’t work, the next step is to restart the Windows Security service. You can do this by following these steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. - In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Security Service.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
Once restarted, try opening Windows Security again. This action can often resolve minor service-related issues.
Step 3: Repair Windows Security via Settings
Another effective method is to repair Windows Security through the Settings menu. Here’s how:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to Apps.
- Click on Apps & features.
- Locate Windows Security in the list and click on it.
- Choose the Advanced options link.
- Scroll down and click on Repair. If the issue persists, you can also try the Reset option.
This process will attempt to fix any corrupted files that may be causing the app to malfunction.
Step 4: Run SFC and DISM Commands
If Windows Security is still not opening, you may need to run system file checks using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). Here’s how:
- Press Windows + S to open the search bar and type
cmd. - Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
- Wait for the scan to complete; this may take several minutes.
- After the scan finishes, restart your computer.
sfc /scannow
If issues persist, open the Command Prompt again as an administrator and run the following command:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
This command will check for and repair any issues with the Windows image itself. After this process, restart your computer once more.
Step 5: Reinstall Windows Security Using PowerShell
If Windows Security still won’t open, you may need to reinstall it using PowerShell. Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- In the PowerShell window, enter the following command and press Enter:
- Next, type the following command to reinstall Windows Security:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.SecHealthUI | Remove-AppxPackage
Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$Env:SystemRoot\SystemApps\Microsoft.SecHealthUI_cw5n1h2txyewy\AppxManifest.xml"
Once the installation completes, check if Windows Security can now be opened.
Step 6: Enable Windows Defender if Disabled
In some cases, third-party antivirus software may disable Windows Defender. To ensure it is enabled:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Check if the option for Windows Defender is turned off. If it is, enable it.
After enabling it, try launching Windows Security again.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While following the steps above, there are a few common issues to be mindful of:
- Ensure that you have administrative privileges when performing repairs or running command line tools.
- Sometimes, a conflicting third-party antivirus can cause issues with Windows Security; consider uninstalling it temporarily to test functionality.
- Regularly update your Windows OS to avoid future issues with built-in applications.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue of Windows Security not opening on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device. Regular maintenance and updates can help prevent such problems in the future. If you continue to experience difficulties, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or checking their official forums for more targeted assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Windows Security not opening?
This issue can occur due to various reasons, including corrupted files, service failures, or conflicts with third-party antivirus software.
How do I know if Windows Defender is disabled?
You can check this in the Windows Security settings under Privacy & Security. If Windows Defender is disabled, you will see a prompt to enable it.
What should I do if the SFC and DISM commands do not resolve the issue?
If these commands do not resolve the issue, consider reinstalling Windows Security through PowerShell or checking for additional system updates.