Forum Discussion
Issue with Windows Defender on Windows 11
I cannot open any of the settings on windows defender, when i try to it tells me to look for a compatible app in the Microsoft Store. Is this a bug or some other (fixable) issue?
- I had this problem on all machines updated from 19043.1151 to 22000.120.
This command from elevated PowerShell fixed the problem for me, try it and report the results:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage
446 Replies
- Exactly same issue experienced by Me on my HP Laptop - I've yet to check Desktops as I suspect it occurred after an Windows 11 update received on 08th August 2021
- Has anyone found a fix for this yet? I'm having the same issue. I can't install software for school because Windows Defender keeps deleting the files. The app is working fine and great so why can't we access it? It clearly exists
- ***FIX FOUND***
[I found a fix everyone!!]
Open PowerShell (as Administrator) and run this command (without the "")
"Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage"
After doing this, check your settings-> Privacy & Security-> Open Windows Security
This should open up Windows defender like it used to on Windows 10. I hope this fixes your problem.- it says access denied for me
- I had this problem on all machines updated from 19043.1151 to 22000.120.
This command from elevated PowerShell fixed the problem for me, try it and report the results:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage- Worked! Thank you!
- This one worked for me on Windows 11, Nice tip.
- works for me... upgraded from windows 10 to windows 11 when i got this problem, now its fixed
I found that running the steps here https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corrupted-system-files-79aa86cb-ca52-166a-92a3-966e85d4094e resolved the issue, so it seems like the update corrupted some files.
- the bug must have evolved, the same problem but could not fix the same solution
- Thats for windows 10, and older, this post already said that it was using windows 11.
I have got the same issue. I can't even open it from the control panel or the setting menu.
- Are you facing this issue with other Settings?
It looks like a bug and I advise you open the Feedback Hub app and report this issue.No other settings work fine. Its just that windows defender wont open. I am going to report this. Thnx for the quick reply.
- It's possible to reach the settings by using the search tool. Enter "Windows Defender" and you'll find a link to Windows Defender. You can also reach it from the control panel.
- I was experiencing the same issue but your reply helped a lot..Thanks
progmik It also doesn't open that way.
By clicking on the search icon (magnifying glass) on the taskbar and searching for "control panel" you will find the legacy control panel,
in which you will find the Windows Defender Firewall where you can take action.
Hope this helps.
- same here , last update killed the link or overlay with windows defender .cant access any of the settings . same issue on laptop and home pc .
- Note; this was after a complete re-install of windows and happens to every other fresh install after (i tried to re-install 2 times trying to fix it)
I'm having the exact same issue, on two separate laptops, one running Windows 10 and the other with Windows 11, and yes, I too did full reinstallations on both machines. I am able to access the firewall / defender by going to the old school "Control Panel" but it's a nuisance to have to do this frequently. I'm having this issue with other areas under "Settings" as well. Very frustrating. Asuka_Okami
- Asuka_Okami The command worked for me. But I did not have the package installed, so I had to install the package Get-AppxPackage Mircrosoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers . This command installed the package, and then I ran the one in your post, and it opened the Windows Security Window, but I still see a caution icon on it in the system tray in the bottom right-hand corner of the desktop screen.
Asuka_Okami I am having the same exact issue.
