Forum Discussion
"Turn on Virus Protection" Notification appears after the latest update
This is a known issue reported widely in forums. It might be caused by July Cumulative Update Preview or August Cumulative Updates. We may expect a fix from September Cumulative Updates.
UPDATE (18/09/2026): This issue has been resolved by Microsoft. If you're affected, pls install or update the Microsoft Defender Antivirus update (version 4.18.26080.4) update:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/resolved-issues-windows-11-25H2#august-2026
You can also refer detailed fix here:
https://www.kapilarya.com/turn-on-virus-protection-keeps-popping-up-in-windows-11
Hope this helps!
Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.
I was having this issue: "Controlled folder access" switched off under "Ransomware protection" So the info in this thread was really helpful in eventually finding (my) real cause. Clicking the pop-up just takes you to the virus and protection instead of the exact toggle that's switched off. Just vague enough to look like a bug to me.
TLDR: Check (every) option under "Virus & Threat protection" because any toggle off will trigger the generic pop-up we're getting. But it's not smart enough to take us to the exact toggle that's switched off.
I will try it, thanks. Weird it isn't on by default, as even formatting the drive and fresh install made the bug appear again..
