Windows 11 Windows Defender Not Working? Here’s How to Fix

Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus and anti-malware software in Windows 11. It’s designed to protect your computer from various threats, including viruses, malware, and spyware. However, sometimes it may encounter issues or stop working. In this guide, we’ll discuss common problems and their solutions in USA.

1. Update Windows 11:
Outdated system files or missing updates can lead to Windows Defender issues. Ensure that your Windows 11 is up-to-date by following these steps:

Click on the Start button and select “Settings” (the gear-shaped icon).
In the Settings window, click on “Windows Update.”
Click on “Check for updates” and let Windows install any available updates.
2. Restart Your Computer:
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues windows 11 defender not working. Restart your computer to see if Windows Defender starts working again.

3. Run Windows Defender Troubleshooter:
Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix problems with Windows Defender in USA.

Press the Windows key and type “Troubleshoot.”
Click on “Troubleshoot settings.”
Scroll down and locate “Windows Defender Antivirus” under “Find and fix other problems.”
Click on it and then click “Run the troubleshooter.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
4. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software:
If you have installed third-party antivirus software, it might interfere with Windows Defender. Temporarily disable or uninstall the third-party antivirus software and see if Windows Defender starts working. If it does windows 11 defender not working, you may need to configure exclusions or settings to run both simultaneously.

5. Check Windows Defender Service:
Windows Defender relies on several background services to function correctly. If these services are stopped or disabled, it can lead to issues. To check and enable these services:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find the following services:
Windows Defender Antivirus Service
Windows Defender Firewall
Ensure that their Status is “Running” and their Startup Type is set to “Automatic.” If not, right-click on the service, select “Properties,” and make the necessary changes in USA.
6. Reset Windows Security Settings:
Corrupted security settings can cause Windows Defender problems. To reset Windows Security settings:

Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security.”
Open Windows Security.
Click on “Virus & threat protection” in the left sidebar.
Scroll down and click on “Manage settings” under “Virus & threat protection settings.”
Click the “Reset settings” button and confirm the action.
7. Repair Windows Defender Using PowerShell:
You can attempt to repair Windows Defender using PowerShell. Open PowerShell with administrative privileges:

Press the Windows key, type “PowerShell,” right-click on “Windows PowerShell,” and select “Run as administrator.”
In the PowerShell window, enter the following command and press Enter:
sql
Get-MpPreference | Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $false
This command re-enables real-time monitoring windows 11 defender not working.
8. Check for Malware and Viruses:
Sometimes, malware can disable Windows Defender. Use a reputable third-party antivirus scanner or Windows Security (Windows Defender) offline scan to check for malware in USA.

Open Windows Security.
Click on “Virus & threat protection” in the left sidebar.
Under “Current threats,” click on “Scan options.”
Select “Windows Defender Offline scan” and click “Scan now.”
9. Perform SFC (System File Checker) Scan:
Corrupted system files can lead to Windows Defender issues. Use the System File Checker tool to scan and repair these files:

Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bash
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions if prompted in USA.
10. Check Group Policy Settings:
Group Policy settings can sometimes disable Windows Defender windows 11 defender not working. To check and reset these settings:

Press the Windows key and type “gpedit.msc,” then press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Microsoft Defender Antivirus.”
In the right pane, double-click on “Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.”
Set the policy to “Not Configured” or “Disabled.”
Click “Apply” and “OK.”
Conclusion:
Windows Defender is a crucial component of Windows 11, providing essential protection against various threats. If you encounter issues with Windows Defender not working, the steps outlined in this guide should help you diagnose and resolve the problem windows 11 defender not working. Remember to keep your system updated and perform regular scans to ensure your computer remains secure in USA.