How to Fix Windows Security Not Working in Windows 11

Even though Windows Security is an excellent security tool, there are still certain issues that keep users from being able to do a scan. Additionally, after updating to Windows 11, a number of users have lately reported that the Windows Defender application will not open.

As a result, you must identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible if your Windows 11 security app is not functioning. The following are some of the finest ways to solve the issue.

1. Restart your Windows 11

You should first restart your computer if you are having issues with Windows Security not launching or not being able to run a scan. Restarting the system can solve most issues, however it is frequently ignored.

So, you have to restart your computer if you run into issues with Windows Security on Windows 11. Press the Power button, then choose Restart.

2. Close other Security Programs

Windows 11 turns off the Windows Security application once it detects a third-party security tool. If you have just installed a new security program on your Windows 11, you can’t enable the security protection offered by Windows Security.

So, to run a full scan or activate the real-time protection of Windows Security, you need to disable your other third-party security software.

3. Restart the Security Center Service

The Security Center service is responsible for the real-time protection provided by the Windows Security app. If this service is disabled, the app won’t work. Hence, you need to restart the Security Center service to fix Windows Defender not working on Windows 11.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button on your Keyboard. This will open the RUN dialog box.

2. On the RUN dialog box, type in services.msc and hit the Enter button.

3. On Windows Services, search for Security Center.

4. Right-click on the Security Center and select Restart.

4. Run the SFC and DISM Scan

Use the command-line programs SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management) to identify and repair faulty system files. These two instructions will resolve the issue if system file corruption is the reason your Windows Security app is not functioning. Here’s how to use Windows 11 to execute both tasks.

1. First, click the Windows 11 search and type in Command Prompt. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. On the Command Prompt, enter sfc/ scannow and hit the Enter button.

3. The System file checker utility will run and attempt to replace the corrupted system files. If it returns with an error, you need to execute another command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

These two commands will most probably fix the Windows Security app not working problem on your Windows 11 PC.

5. Reset the Windows Security App

Even though Windows Security is a system app, you can still reset it if it’s not working properly. Here’s how you can reset the Windows Security app.

1. Launch the Settings app and click on Apps.

2. On the right side, click on Installed Apps.

3. Find the Windows Security app and click on the three dots next to it.

4. On the menu that appears, select Advanced options.

5. On the next screen, click on Reset.

6. Reset Your Windows 11 PC

If none of the fixes work, your Windows 11 computer needs to be reset. While resetting Windows 11 will return your computer to its original settings, it will also erase all loaded apps.

Therefore, it is advisable to regularly backup your important files and applications before resetting Windows 11. Data loss will be avoided as a result.

1. Click on the Windows 11 Start menu and select Settings.

2. On the Settings app, navigate to the System > Recovery.

3. On the Recovery screen, click on the Reset PC option.

4. Select whether you want to keep your files or remove everything on the next prompt. It’s recommended to pick the Keep my files option.

Try launching the Windows Security app once more after the reset. The app will function properly this time. To finish the reset procedure, adhere to the on-screen directions.

These are some of the best solutions for Windows 11’s Windows Security app not functioning. On your PC, these solutions will undoubtedly resolve issues with the Windows Security program. If you have any questions concerning the Windows security software, please let us know.