Forum Discussion
Windows Security won't open on Windows 11
I have tried everything I can think of, I've had two friends who deal with IT problems look at my computer via shared screen with no luck. Since updating to Windows 11 I never noticed Windows Security would not open until recently, it's active and running in the background in Task Manager. I've tried the Powershell and CMD hotfixes, I've reset my PC locally and cloud but I have no restore or recovery points prior to the Windows 11 update. My PC is up to date on all firmware from Microsoft but Windows Security still will not open. Windows Security nor Windows Defender is not listed under my "Installed Apps" or "Default Apps" so I can't try a drop down repair on it. It does show within my Task Manager that there is Windows Defender engine running and in the hidden icons tab it shows Windows Security active. How do you fix this without having to lug your whole PC to a shop?
None of the solutions that have been mentioned in this thread helped me.
Finally I did a reinstall, which also did not help.
But after reinstalling I got these 5 updates, one of which did contribute to fixing the issue.- do you think installing the latest windows update would address those issues? because i also have those issues and then i updated to the windows update this january and made it much worst. native windows os apps are not responding jst like the windows security app.
and now there is a new windows update again this january, the second update that i get. and i am afraid to install it because it may worsen the issues but i am also considering installing it with the hopee that it would address the bug it brought in the last update.
does creating a restore point before installing would be useful for me if ever everything went south after i install the latest update? TayDean It's early 2024 and I am in the same boat since the most recent update. In all their wisdom, Microsoft has removed Troubleshooter with this update and wants me to contact tech support. The last time I did that, I was 77 people away from help. I do not have that kind of time.
I've tried all the suggestions here except reinstalling Windows, which is a major hassle and would require hunting down the software I use for work and reinstalling it too. I had to do this once last week because a previous update crashed my computer. It created all manner of work-related issues.
This is really dumb and Microsoft should have fixed this already. But I'm open to more suggestions.MaryPaddock i did a fresh installation and it was working all right but right after i updating the problem was back
so i am sure they have a bug
Microsoft should do something about it.
i need to disable it to be able to run a software but now i cant because, though i don't see the windows defender it still working in the background
- I currently am updated to the latest 2024-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5034123). And the thing is, other apps that are system installed already are not opening just like the windows security. calculator, calendar, clock, etc. They wont open.
I've found a workaround for this.
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage
Type the above command into Windows Powershell (as admin) and once it shows that the command os executed (should be instant), restart your device and your Windows Security should work now.
The only issue is that you'll have to redo this once you shutdown your device (at least in my case) MaryPaddock
- It works but after some days issue again comes.. what to do
- Hello,
See if this fix helps you:
https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-windows-defender-wont-open-in-windows-11
Keep us posted!
Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.KapilArya I have tried the troubleshooting suggestion but it's still not working😢
Any thoughts on what are other possible reasons why this is happening? Also, have you found a different work around to solve the issue?
Your respond is greatly appreciated.
KapilAryasolution 4 worked for me. There were files that needed repair, and after that (with a reboot) it works. Thanks
- It works.
Thank you!
You can try the following steps to resolve the issue:
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Run the Windows Security Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Find and run the Windows Security troubleshooter.
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Repair Windows Security using DISM: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the following commands: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup
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Re-register Windows Security apps: Open a Command Prompt as administrator and run the following commands:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} -
Reset Windows Security app: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find Windows Security, and click Advanced options. Click Reset.
If none of these steps work, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows 11 to resolve the issue.
(external link removed by moderator)
- I appreciate the suggestion. I have followed each suggestion and every time I completed each step I tried to run Defender but it still did not work. I even try to reset my device to no avail. Do you know any new work around to fix this issue?
Thanks in advance. Mark_Albin Option # 2 works for me thank you !!
When I open Windows Security I can see the options but Windows Security is greyed out and it just freezes when I try to click on any of the options. I am a senior and do not know how to get into the command prompts. Any suggestions? thank you, Lovina
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