Windows 11 Virus & Threat Protection Not Working (2024 Fixes)

Key Takeaways

The issue of Virus and Threat Protection not working is often due to conflicts between third-party antivirus software and the built-in protection programs or settings.
To fix the issue, you can try the following solutions: check the power cord and outlet, restart the device, update the device software, reset the device to its factory settings, check for any physical damage, clean the device's vents and fans, check for any software conflicts, update the device's drivers, run a virus scan, check the device's compatibility with other devices, and consider consulting a professional for further assistance. These solutions can help resolve the issue effectively and get your device up and running smoothly again.
Creating a backup of your computer is necessary to add extra protection for your device in case of hardware failure or misoperation, allowing you to recover your data and settings.

Windows offers robust security features, including built-in virus and threat protection, which helps keep users safe from harmful attacks on their system.

Many Windows 11 users are experiencing issues with the virus and threat protection not working, causing problems and frustration. This guide provides effective tips to resolve the issue and get the virus and threat protection up and running again.

windows 11 virus and threat protection not working

12 Fixes – Virus and Protection Not Working on Windows

Many Windows 11 users have tried various methods to resolve issues with the virus and threat protection facility, but some of these attempts have been unsuccessful and time-consuming. Fortunately, we have identified effective methods that have worked for others, saving you the hassle of trial and error.

1. Update Windows

To update Windows, go to Settings, then click on Update & Security, followed by Windows Update. From there, you can check for updates and install any available ones. This may resolve the issue with the threat detection facility.

Step 1. Go to Settings and open the Update & Security section.

update and security

Step 2. Look for Windows Update in your computer and tap on the "Check for Updates" option.

check for update

Your system will check for available updates and install them in your system. This option can help determine if the issue has been resolved by installing the latest updates.

2. Reset Windows Security Service

To reset the settings of Windows security, go to the Start menu and type "Windows Security" in the search bar. Click on the result to open the app. Click on the three dots at the top right corner of the app and select "App settings".

Step 1. To access Windows Security settings, navigate to Settings and select Installed Apps. From the list, find Windows Security and right-click on it.

Step 2. Choose App Settings and click on the Reset button.

The application will reset all settings you have made in it, returning everything to its default state.

🎯Read Also: Windows Defender Missing Windows 11 | Windows 11 Virus Protection Keeps Turning Off

3. Check & Restart Windows Security Settings

To resolve the Windows security settings issue, you can try restarting them by following these steps. This may resolve the problem.

Step 1. To access the Services app in Windows, simply type 'Services' in the search bar and select the app from the results to open it.

Step 2. Look for Windows Security Service and start it.

Step 3. If the issue persists, try restarting the device, turning it off and on again, or resetting it to its factory settings. This can often resolve the problem.

To resolve the issue of a detected virus, try restarting your device in safe mode, then run a full system scan using an anti-virus software. Check for any suspicious programs or files and delete them.

4. Use Windows Security Offline Scan

If you're experiencing issues with Windows 11's virus and threat protection not working, you can try using the offline scanning option available in your system as a last resort. This may help resolve the problem.

Step 1. Go to Windows Security from your device's settings.

Step 2. Open Virus & Threat Protection and click on Scan Options.

windows security

Step 3. Select Microsoft Defender Offline Scan and click the Scan Now button.

quick scan

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5. Disable Third-party Antivirus

Disabling or uninstalling third-party antivirus software may resolve conflicts with Windows built-in virus protection feature, allowing you to install updates without issues.

Step 1. Go to Settings and open the Apps section.

Step 2. Look for your concerned antivirus and click on it.

Step 3. Tap on the Uninstall button to move ahead with the solution. If you are prompted to confirm that you want to uninstall the app, tap Uninstall again to confirm.

6. Perform a Full System Scan

Run a full system scan to identify and fix the issue, which may help resolve the problem with your system's virus and threat protection.

Step 1. Go to Windows Security and open Virus and Threat Protection.

Step 2. Click on Scan Options given under Current Threats option.

scan options

Step 3. To initiate a full system scan, tap on the "Full Scan" option and then click the "Scan Now" button.

7. Change the Group Policy Settings

By changing the group policy setting, you can also resolve this issue. So, follow these steps to perform this check and find out if the issue is solved.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc in the box and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

gpedit

Step 2. To configure Windows Security settings, follow this path: Computer configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Virus and Threat Protection. This will allow you to set policies for virus and threat protection.

Step 3. Make sure that it is set as Not Configured, if not, change it to this setting.

select an item

Now, close the Windows and try using this feature again. It might be possible your issue has been resolved.

8. Reset Your Computer

Changes in one application may be affecting the processing of virus and threat protection features, or resetting your computer may resolve the issue.

Step 1. Go to Settings and then choose Updates & Security.

Step 2. Click on Recovery and then Reset this PC.

recovery

Step 3. To complete the process, tap on the Get Started button and follow the on-screen instructions.

9. Run Windows Security Troubleshooter

You can also run the troubleshooter by following these steps.

Step 1. Go to Settings and choose Update & Security.

Step 2. Click on the Troubleshooter option to complete this task.

10. Perform SFC and DISM

Run system file checking and DISM to resolve the issue.

Step 1. Press Windows + R to open the dialogue box.

Step 2. Type sfc /scannow after the second line in the box.

Step 3. Once a new window is opened, type `DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth` and enter.

The scan will take a few minutes to complete. Once finished, restart your system to verify if the issue is resolved.

11. Check Your Date and Time Settings

To ensure the system runs smoothly, it's recommended to set your device's date and time accurately, as incorrect time and date can cause system malfunction.

12. Seek Help from Microsoft Support

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and still can't resolve the issue, it's best to contact Microsoft support for assistance. They'll be able to provide personalized guidance and help you find a solution. This way, you can get the problem resolved efficiently.

If Windows 11's virus and threat protection isn't working as expected, consider TotalAV as a reliable alternative. This security solution provides robust features like a smart firewall, VPN, malware and virus scans, password protection, device optimization, and real-time protection, among others. You can purchase a subscription plan today to enjoy its comprehensive security benefits.

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Pro Tip: Better Way to Safeguard Your Computer from All Aspects

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Using this software, you can schedule data backups and store your files in cloud storage, allowing you to recover your data even if your system encounters an error, and also gain access to advanced features.

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[Causes] Why Windows Virus & Protection Not Working?

The issue may be caused by conflicts between third-party antivirus software and built-in programs, or by incorrect system settings.

Wrapping Up

This blog provides a solution to resolve Windows 11 virus and threat protection not working issues, helping to get your system back to smooth operation. It is recommended to use Qiling Disk Master to keep your data safe.

You can save your data to the cloud, so if you reinstall Windows, you won't lose your data. You can access it from the cloud and download it anytime.

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FAQs on Windows 11 Virus and Threat Protection Not Working

1. How do I reactivate virus and threat protection?

You can reactivate virus and threat protection using these steps.

Go to "Windows Security."
Look for "Virus and Threat Protection" and open it
Toggle on all the buttons given on the screen

2. How do I enable Microsoft antivirus on Windows 11?

You can install Microsoft antivirus on Windows 11 by going to Windows Security and following the on-screen instructions.

3. Is Microsoft Defender antivirus included in Windows 11?

Microsoft Defender antivirus is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that provides protection against malware attacks.