When it comes to safeguarding your computer, Windows Security plays a pivotal role, offering essential protection against a wide array of threats, including malware, viruses, and cyberattacks. However, there might come a time when you encounter a hiccup with Windows Security—it might stop working, fail to update, or show error messages, leaving your system vulnerable.
This article is designed to be a lifeline for those grappling with such issues. It starts by setting the stage for the significance of Windows Security, recognizing its critical role in the digital safety of users. The introduction would then segue into acknowledging the potential problems one might face, from minor glitches to significant malfunctions that prevent Windows Security from functioning correctly.
This guide promises a beacon of hope, offering a compilation of tested and effective solutions aimed at troubleshooting and resolving common issues that impede the performance of Windows Security. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user, this article is crafted to walk you through a series of steps, ranging from basic to more complex fixes, ensuring that you can restore your computer’s defenses and maintain your digital security without unnecessary stress.
Close Other Antivirus Programs on Your PC
Windows Security does not launch because you are using another antivirus program on your PC. That tool may be interfering with Windows Security’s functionalities, causing the app to not launch.
In this case, you can close your other antivirus program and try to open the Windows Security app. Try force-closing your other program to ensure it is fully closed.
- Right-click your Start menu icon and select Task Manager.
- Right-click your antivirus program on the list and choose End task.
- Launch Windows Security.
If Windows Security launches after disabling your third-party antivirus tool, you can remove that tool from your PC to ensure you do not face the same issue again. Here is how to do that:
- Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Select Apps in the left sidebar and Apps & features on the right pane.
- Find your antivirus program on the list, select the three dots next to the program, and choose Uninstall.
- Select Uninstall in the prompt to confirm your action.
- Restart your PC by opening the Start menu, selecting the Power icon, and choosing Restart.
Restart the Windows Security Center Service
Windows runs various services in the background to support your PC’s multiple functions. It is possible a service related to Windows Security is not working correctly, preventing the app from launching.
In this case, you can restart the relevant background service to fix your issue.
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R.
Type the following in the box and press Enter:
services.msc - Find and right-click Security Center on the services list and choose Restart.
- Quit the Services window, then open your Windows Security app.
Repair the Windows Security App
Like many other apps, Windows Security can become problematic due to faulty configuration and other technical issues. When this happens, you can use your PC’s built-in repair tool to try to repair the app.
- Open your PC’s Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
- Select Apps in the left sidebar and Apps & features on the right pane.
- Find Windows Security on the app list, select the three dots next to the app, and choose Advanced options.
- Select Repair on the following screen.
- When you have repaired the app, launch the app.
Reset the Windows Security App
If repairing Windows Security did not fix the app’s launch problem, you can go a step further and reset the application. Doing so clears all the current settings of the app, resolving your app problem.
- Open the Start menu, find PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
Type the following command on the PowerShell window and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage
- Close the PowerShell window when the command has finished running.
- Launch the Windows Security app.
Update Your Windows Version
Your Windows operating system version may be outdated, causing your system and installed apps to malfunction. So, you should always use the latest version of your system software.
You can resolve your issue by updating Windows to the most recent version on your PC.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Windows Update in the left sidebar.
- Choose Check for updates on the right pane.
- Allow Windows to find available updates.
- Download and install all the displayed updates.
- Reboot your PC.
Fix Corrupt Windows Files
Windows system files can become corrupt, causing your system functions, stock apps, and even third-party apps to malfunction. These files become corrupt for many reasons, including viruses and malicious apps.
Fortunately, Windows includes a built-in tool to help you fix corrupt system files on your computer. You can run a tool called SFC (System File Checker) from Command Prompt to find and fix all the problematic and missing core files on your PC.
- Open the Start menu, locate Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
Enter the following command on the CMD window and press Enter. This command downloads the files required to fix your PC.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Run the following command to begin scanning for and fixing corrupt Windows files: sfc /scannow
- Restart your PC when SFC has fixed the faulty files.
Reset Your Windows PC
If Windows Security does not launch even after following all the above methods, your system’s core configuration might be corrupt. One way to deal with this situation is to reset your PC.
Resetting your PC deletes all your custom configurations and apps, fixing nearly all the issues on your computer. Note that you will lose your apps while resetting the PC, so ensure you are okay with that.
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Select System in the left sidebar and Recovery on the right pane.
- Choose Reset PC next to Reset this PC.
- Select Keep my files to ensure Windows does not delete your files.
- Choose Local reinstall to reset your PC locally.
- Follow the on-screen reset instructions and finish bringing your PC back to the factory settings.
- Launch Windows Security when you have reset your PC.
Concluding the guide “Windows Security Not Working? Try these Fixes,” it’s clear that while encountering issues with Windows Security can be a source of frustration and concern, there are numerous strategies and steps one can take to address and rectify these problems. This article has provided a thorough walkthrough of various troubleshooting methods, from simple fixes like ensuring your system is up to date and performing quick scans, to more in-depth solutions such as using command line tools or resetting Windows Security settings. Each solution has been presented with clear, step-by-step instructions to make the process as straightforward as possible for users of all skill levels.
Importantly, this guide emphasizes that maintaining the integrity and functionality of Windows Security is crucial for protecting your computer against the myriad threats that exist in the digital landscape today. By following the fixes outlined in this article, users can feel confident in their ability to restore their system’s defenses, ensuring that their data and privacy remain protected.
In the event that these solutions do not resolve the issue, the article suggests seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support or considering professional tech support, ensuring that every avenue for safeguarding your computer’s security is explored.
Ultimately, “Windows Security Not Working? Try these Fixes” serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone facing challenges with their Windows Security system, offering peace of mind and practical solutions to keep your digital world secure.
