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

The main takeaways

• #️⃣ issues with Virus and Threat Protection may occur due to conflicts between third-party antivirus software and built-in programs or settings.
• #️⃣ Twelve effective solutions are provided below to address this problem.
• #️⃣ Creating a backup for your computer is an additional safeguard against hardware failures or accidental mishaps, protecting your device from potential harm.

It's undeniable that Windows provides ample security checks to keep users safe. One great way in this aspect is the built-in Virus & Threat Protection feature. This option shields your system from malicious attacks.

However, many users have reported running into issues with this feature. The most common problem is the Windows 11 Virus and Threat Protection not working as it should. If you're experiencing this issue and looking for a fix, read on. We'll discuss some effective troubleshooting tips to resolve this problem.

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12 Fixes - Antivirus Not Working on Windows

Each user tries different methods to fix the Virus and threat protection issue in Windows 11. However, some of those might just be a waste of your time. Thus, to save you the hassle, we've found solutions that have worked for others.

1. Update the Windows operating system.

The first approach you should try is to update Windows, as this could be the reason the threat detection is malfunctioning. You can do this by following these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings, then open the Update & Security section.

Step 2: Search for Windows Update, and click on the Check for updates option.

Your system will check for available updates and install them on your system. Try this option to see if the issue has been resolved.

2. Reset Windows Security Services

It could be that some changes made to the Windows Security app have caused this feature to malfunction. To resolve this, follow these steps to reset your Windows Security settings:

Step 1: Go to “Settings” and look for “Installed apps.” Find “Windows Security” in the list, then right-click on it.

Step 2: Select App Settings, and then click the Reset button.

Click the < Ketosis > Reset < /Ketosis> button.

This will reset all the settings you've made in this app.

3. Check and reset your Windows security settings

Another solution to this problem is to reset the Windows Security settings. You can do this by following these steps:

Step 1: Search for “Services” in the Windows search bar, and open the app.

Step 2: Start the Windows Security Service.

These steps may help you address that problem and deal with the virus testing issue.

4. Run an offline version of Windows Security scan

If none of the above methods work for the Windows 11 virus and threat protection not working issue, you can try using the offline scanning option available in the system.

Step 1: Open Windows Security from your device's Settings.

<Step 2> Go to **Virus & threat protection** and click on **Scan options**.

Step 3: Select the Microsoft Defender Offline scan option, and then click the Scan now button.

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5. Disable third-party antivirus software

It could be due to a conflict with certain third-party antivirus software that might be interfering with the built-in virus protection. Therefore, you could try disabling or uninstalling it to resolve the issue.

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

Step 2. Find your antivirus program, and click on it.

Step 3. Click the Uninstall button to proceed with the fix.

6. Perform a full system scan

You can also perform a full system scan to look for issues and fix them. This might help your system's virus and threat protection return to normal.

Step 1: Go to **Windows Security** and open **Virus & threat protection**.

Step 2. Click on Scan options, which is under Current Threats.

Step 3: Click on Full Scan and then press the Scan Now button.

7. Modify Group Policy settings

This issue can also be resolved by modifying Group Policy settings. Therefore, check if the issue is resolved by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, then type gpedit.msc in the dialog box.

Step 2: Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Security Center > Virus and threat protection

<Step 3> Make sure it is set to <b>Unconfigured</b>. If not, change it to this setting.

Now, close all the windows and try using this feature again. The issue might be resolved.

8. Restart your computer

Sometimes, a change in an app might affect how virus and threat protection processes. You can also try resetting your device to fix this issue.

Step 1: Go to Settings, then choose Update & Security.

Step 2: Click Restore, then click Reset this PC.

Step 3: Click Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

9. Run the Windows Security Troubleshooter

You can also run the troubleshooter by following these steps.

Step 1: Go to Settings, then choose Update & Security.

Step 2: Click on the Troubleshooting option to proceed with this task.

Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) tools

You can also run System File Checker and DISM to fix this issue.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the dialog box.

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow on the second line of Notepad.

Step 3: In the new window, type in DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth, and then hit Enter.

The scan might take a few minutes. When it's finished, restart your system and see if the problem is resolved.

Check your date and time settings

Another solution to try is to check the date and time on your device. Make sure they are set correctly, as an incorrect date and time can cause issues with the system's functionality.

12. Seek Microsoft Technical Support

If all else fails, it's recommended that you contact Microsoft Support for a solution. They'll surely guide you through resolving the issue and any corresponding fixes. This way, you'll be able to sort out the problem.

Indeed, issues with Windows 11's virus and threat protection can be frustrating. If you're looking for a superior solution, TotalAV is worth considering. It offers top-notch security features, including a smart firewall, VPN, malware and virus scans, password protection, device optimization, and real-time protection. Be sure to secure your subscription plan today.

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Tip: A better way to protect your computer from all-around threats

Having an antivirus tool installed on your computer can prevent many issues caused by malware. No doubt, your computer may face various technical issues like hard drive failure. To keep your files safe, you can opt for efficient software like Todo Backup Free. It is one of the best software available online, offering advanced data backup options.

With this feature, you can schedule data backups and store your files in cloud storage. This way, you can retrieve your data even if your system fails. Additionally, the software offers various advanced options for you to explore.

We recommend that you download this software to prevent data loss.

Why isn't Windows Defender working?

This issue can stem from several reasons. However, some common causes include conflicts between third-party antivirus software and built-in programs. Apart from that, certain settings might be causing this error on your system.

wrap-up work

In this post, we discussed how to fix the issue with Windows 11 Virus and Threat Protection not working. Hopefully, you've found a solution to get your system back on track. It's recommended to use Todo Backup tools to ensure the safety of your data.

That way, if you have to re-install Windows on your machine, you do not lose your data. Simply put, your stuff is saved in the cloud, and you can download it anytime you want.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Windows 11 Virus and Threat Protection Not Working

How do I reactivate Virus and Threat Protection?

You can reactivate Virus and threat protection by following these steps:

1. Open the Windows Security Center. 2. Locate and open "Virus & threat protection." 3. Toggle all the switches on the screen to turn them on.

How do I enable Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 11?

You can easily install Microsoft Antivirus software on Windows 11 by navigating through the Windows Security options and following the on-screen instructions.

Does Windows 11 include Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Yes, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is included in Windows 11. It is an integrated feature designed to protect you from malware attacks.