The Windows 11 Windows Defender is a built-in software program that is meant to protect your PC from viruses, malware, and other external threats. We have heard the complaints of multiple users who keep saying that my windows 11 windows defender won’t open, and it is an important concern. If your defender fails to protect your PC, it will encounter various troubles.
It is a little challenging to sort it out on your own, as a result, we have decided to provide you with the guide that you can use to try and solve this problem of Windows Defender not working on Windows 11.
Major Causes Why Windows 11 Windows Defender Won’t Open
Now let us figure out what could be the possible reasons behind Windows Defender not working on Windows 11.
After analyzing, we have figured out certain reasons that might be the reason for Windows Defender not functioning. Here they are-
- Windows Defender might not be working as a result of an incorrect date and time on your PC.
- It can also happen if the security services on your Windows 11 are not functioning.
- At times the Windows Defender might not work because of certain bugs in the windows version.
- Certain third-party apps such as anti-virus, backup tools, or other software might prevent the Windows Defender to work properly on your Windows 11 PC.
- Errors in the registry settings of Windows are also responsible for the Windows defender not working.
These reasons could be responsible for Windows Defender not working correctly on Windows 11. Later here we will also discuss how to fix the problem in this article.
Know The Fixes Windows 11 Windows Defender Won’t Open
It is essential to fix your Windows Defender on Windows 11 urgently as it might pose some serious threat to your system. It makes it extremely prone to various risks and threats which might cause your system to collapse.
Here we discuss a set of solutions to fix the problem. Let’s go through them-
1. Set The Time And Date Correctly
Incorrect dates and times can prevent many of your windows apps to function properly. Similarly, it can cause Windows Defender to malfunction. You can follow the given steps to set a date and time-
Step1. Click the Start button and choose Settings from the app menu.
Step2. Go to the Time & Language tab and click on Date and Time.
Step3. Click on the Change button and set the correct time and date.
This might fix your Windows Defender malfunction issue.
2. Service Security Center Should Be Restarted
In case your Windows Defender is not running it might stop your Windows Security failure too. Therefore follow these steps to ensure that it is working properly-
Step 1- Open the Rund dialog box by pressing Win+R.
Step 2- Type “services. MSC” into the text box and click OK.
Step 3- Go to the Security Center service, right-click on it and choose Restart.
Before you do this step make sure other Windows services are running just fine.
3. Upgrade Windows 11 To The Latest Version
Updating Windows Defender on Windows 11 might solve the issue-
Step1. Open the Windows Defender Security Center by clicking on the Shield icon down the taskbar.
Step2. Select the Virus and Threat protection tile.
Step3. Select the Protection updates.
Step4. Check for any latest updates to download new protection updates (only if there are any).
4. Uninstall Or Disable Third-Party Security Software
Certain third-party apps such as anti-virus and backup tools might prevent Windows Defender from working. Just uninstall them and perform a reboot and your system will work just fine.
5. Run An SFC Scan
System File Checker is used to check and fix any system file being corrupted. Follow the steps to fix it-
Step 1– Type cmd in the search box. Open Command Promt and achhose Run as Administratior.
Step 2- Type “SFC” in the command window and press enter.
Once this is done you will be able to run Windows defender.
6. Perform A Clean Boot
Many third-party apps and services may interrupt Windows Defender from working on Windows 11. Try performing a clean boot. Follow the steps to do so-
Step 1- Open the Run Window (Win+R), after the dialogue box appears type “MSConfig” and click OK.
Step 2- Under the Services tab, select the checkbox of Hiding all Microsoft Services.
Step 3- As soon as that is done, click on Disable all to disable all the services.
Step 4- Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
Step 5- Now choose programs one-by-one and click “Disable” to disable these to fix Windows Security.
7. Make Changes In Your Registry
Another solution to fix Windows Defender is by trying to change the Registry Settings. Although it is always better to backup your registry keys on Windows 11 to avoid system corruption.
Follow the steps to make changes to your registry-
Step 1- Type “Regedit” in the search box and click on Registry Editor.
Step 2- Follow the path- Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.
Step 3- Find DisableAntiSpyware in the right pane. If you fail to find it, right-click Windows Defender and choose New>DWORD (32-bit).
Step 4- Double click on this key and set its value to 0.
8. Reset Or Repair Windows Security 11
In case your Windows Defender doesn’t work on your Windows Security 11 you might try to repair or reset the app by following these steps-
Step 1- Launch the Windows Settings app (Press Win+I)
Step 2- Click on App and the Select App Features.
Step 3- Find out Windows Security by clicking on the three-dot menu and selecting Advanced Options.
Step 4- After the new Window opens go to the Reset section, select the Reset section and click Repair.
In case this doesn’t work, you can always click Reset to reset this application.
9. Reset This PC
If none of these methods works for you in the process of Windows 11 running Windows Defender, then you are left with the solution of resetting your PC.
Follow these steps to reset your PC-
Settings> System>Recovery>Recovery options>Reset this PC. Resetting your Pc might solve the issue and Windows defender will start working again.
How To Disable Windows Defender Program?
Disabling the Windows Defender program is pretty easy. You can do it with a few easy and simple steps-
Step 1- Click on “Start” and Search for Windows Security app.
Step 2- Select the app for the search results and open it. Move over to the Virus and Threat Protection section and under that select Manage Settings.
Step 3- Now turn the Real-time protection to Off.
And it’s solved.
Suggestion: Back Up Your PC
You should try any of these above discuss methods to ensure that your Windows Security Program is running properly and ensure your PC is safe from all external threats such as viruses, spyware, and malware.
But sometimes you might wonder if that’s enough to protect your PC. Even after all this, in case your PC breaks down, there is always a chance of losing all your important data.
Therefore it is ideal if you take a full backup of your data. Now you might wonder how would you get a backup of so much data on your Windows 11? We are here to provide you with the solution.
We suggest you install any backup tool such as the MiniTool ShadowMaker. This software is compatible with all the latest versions of Windows. You can also use it to clone a hard drive easily.
After installing MiniTools perform the following actions-
Step 1- Double click on the MiniTools icon on your PC.
Step 2- Click on the Backup button after opening the application. In order to create a system image you can select a destination path, however, if you are backing up files, then click Source and select the files you require.
Step 3- After selecting the backup source and destination, click Back up to start the action immediately.
Follow these steps using MiniTool to take a whole backup of your PC.
Find Out How To Reinstall Windows Defender In Windows 11
If you wish to reinstall the Windows Defender in Windows 11, just follow these simple steps to do so-
Step 1- Press the Windows+X and Click on the Control Panel.
Step 2- At the right top corner select View and then choose large items.
Step 3- From the long list, click on Windows Defender and try to enable it.
Step 4- Press Windows+R, to open the Run prompt Window.
Step 5- In the Command box type “Services”.
Step 6- Under the services, locate the Windows Defender Service and then start the service.
Other Tips To Keep PC Safe
Here are some more tips that we are going to provide you apart from backing up your files, to safeguard your PC. Here they are-
- Avoid visiting Suspect Websites and use an Anti-Virus if possible.
- Make sure to turn on your Smart Screen Filter.
- Ensure to keep your Windows up-to-date.
- Always keep the Firewall on or use a Firewall App.
- Keep an eye on your downloaded files.
FAQs
Does Windows 11 support Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is a built-in free program that is available in every version of Windows. And yes, it is also available in Windows 11 and supports it.
It helps in protecting your PC from malware, virus, spyware etc.
Why can’t I turn on Microsoft Defender?
There can be several reasons why Microsoft Windows Defender might not be running. Some of the are-
- Incorrect date and time on your PC.
- Malfunctioning security services on your Windows.
- Because of certain bugs and missing files in the windows version.
- Certain third-party apps such as anti-virus, backup tools or other software might prevent the Windows Defender.
- Errors in the registry settings of Windows.
How do I update Windows Defender on Windows 11?
If you want to update Windows Defender on Windows 11, just follow the steps-
Step 1- Open the Windows Defender Security Center by clicking on the Shield icon down the taskbar.
Step 2- Select the Virus and Threat protection tile.
Step3- Select the Protection updates.
Step 4- Check for any latest updates to download new protection updates (only if there are any).
The steps are pretty simple and easy to follow.
How do I reinstall the Windows Defender antivirus?
Reinstalling Windows Defender Antivirus is not a very herculean task. You just need to follow these simple steps to do so-
Step 1- Press the Windows+X and Click on the Control Panel.
Step 2- At the right top corner select View and then choose large items.
Step 3- From the long list, click on Windows Defender and try to enable it.
Step 4- Press Windows+R, to open the Run prompt Window.
Step 5- In the Command box type “Services”.
Step 6– Under the services, locate the Windows Defender Service and then start the service.
To Wrap Up
Do you have the same complaint of windows 11 windows defender won’t open? Well, this might definitely be something to be concerned about. However, you should follow our article to get rid of this issue.
Solving this might be a tricky thing, but it is not that difficult. And with the help of this guide, you can do it swiftly.
Try any of these solutions that we have discussed here to fix your problem and take some additional measures that we suggested to prevent your computer from falling into any other trouble.
Ensuring your PC’s safety should be of prime importance and should always come before everything.
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