Windows Security is a handy way to keep your PC safe from cybersecurity threats like malware and viruses. Microsoft’s built-in antivirus app is free to use and boosts your computer’s defences, but sometimes it may not work the way it’s supposed to.
If your Windows Security app isn’t able to scan threats or it’s just not opening, your PC will be open to malicious software lying in wait to sneak onto your device – especially if you don’t have a third-party antivirus like Bitdefender or Avast One installed.
No one wants ransomware, spyware or adware ruining their day, so it’s important to get your PC’s default security back up and running as soon as possible. The good news is there are a few ways to fix Windows Security on your computer, and sometimes it can be as simple as turning it on.
Follow the steps below to fix Windows Security on your PC.
How to fix Windows Security on PC
Windows Security may stop working for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes, a hacker will use malicious software to turn off your PC’s antivirus software, and other times the security app may not work properly because there’s already an antivirus doing all the protecting. Whatever the case, these fixes should sort you out.
Turn Windows Security on
As the old adage goes, the simplest solution is almost always the best. For one reason or the other, Windows Security may be turned off, which means you’ll need to switch it back on again.
- On your PC, type in “Windows Security” in the search field located on the taskbar.
- A window will pop up. Click Turn On under Virus & threat protection.
Alternatively, if the Windows Security app won’t open from the search bar, you can head into Settings instead.
- Select Start in the taskbar.
- Click Settings. (You can also press Win + I to open Settings).
- In the left-hand sidebar, click Update & Security or Privacy & security.
- Select Windows Security.
- Then click Open Windows Security.
Update Windows
If it’s been a while since you’ve updated Windows 10 or Windows 11, this may be causing the security app to malfunction. A quick check for a Windows Update may solve the issue.
- Select Start in the taskbar.
- Click Settings. (You can also press Win + I to open Settings).
- Find Windows Update in the left-hand sidebar or top bar and click on it.
- Select Check for updates.
- If an update is found, click Download & install.
- Once done, restart your PC.
Remove third-party antivirus
Windows Security may not be working properly if there’s already another antivirus turned on. If this is an antivirus you don’t recognize or doesn’t work the way you want it to, it’s best to disable and remove the third-party antivirus so Microsoft’s antivirus can do its job.
There are plenty of ways to do this, and you can find out how to remove an antivirus on Windows with our guide. However, one of the easiest ways to do this is to follow the steps below.
- On your Windows PC, type in “Control Panel” in the search field located on the Task Bar.
- Click on the Control Panel app.
- A window will pop up. Under Programs, click on Uninstall a program.
- A list of installed programs will show up. Right-click the antivirus you wish to uninstall, or double-click and select “Yes”.
- Follow the steps the antivirus service provides to uninstall the antivirus.
- Restart your device.
Windows’ built-in antivirus is good at detecting and protecting your PC against malware, and it even has hidden ransomware protection. That said, the best antivirus software can do a lot more to fend off malware, so it may be worth switching to one of these.
Repair and reset Windows Security app
If the Security app still isn’t working, you’ll need to reset the application to get rid of any bugs that it may have encountered. Think of it as a fresh start to your system.
- Select Start in the taskbar.
- Click Settings. (You can also press Win + I to open Settings).
- Select Apps in the left-hand sidebar.
- Click Installed apps or Apps & features.
- Scroll down to find Windows Security and click on the three dots. Then press Advanced options.
- Under Reset, select Repair.
- If the app still isn’t working correctly after the repair, select Reset.
Reset your PC
As another old adage goes, have you tried turning it off and on again? Although, this method is more of a “hardcore” off and on again. Windows bugs can nearly always be resolved by resetting your PC, as it brings it back to its default state before it was affected by any hiccups. It may take a while, but it’s worth doing to keep your computer in tip-top shape.
- Select Start in the taskbar.
- Click Settings. (You can also press Win + I to open Settings).
- Select System in the left-hand sidebar and click Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, select Reset PC.
- A window will pop. To make sure to keep all your personal files, select Keep my files. Then click Local reinstall.
- Follow the instructions to reset your PC.
Resetting your PC will remove all the apps and settings currently on your system. To make sure you don’t lose any important files or documents, you’ll want to back up your data via cloud storage or an external SSD.
