How To Fix Windows Security Not Opening In Windows 11

Fix Windows Security Not opening

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a crucial component of your Windows 11 operating system. It serves as a robust defense against various digital threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attempts. However, like any software, it can sometimes run into issues. One common problem users face is Windows Security not opening properly. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the potential causes behind Windows Security Not opening problem and provide step-by-step solutions to help you fix Windows Security Not opening and ensure your Windows 11 system stays secure.

Why Windows Security Not opening in Windows 11

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why Windows Security might fail to open on your Windows 11 system. The app may act in this manner due to a variety of factors. To fix the issue, you can try a few troubleshooting methods. Your Windows version is out-of-date, your Windows system files are damaged, and other factors might all cause your Windows Security software to not launch.

Several factors can contribute to this Windows Security Not opening issue:

Software Conflicts: Conflicts with other security software or third-party applications can cause of Windows Security Not opening. These conflicts may arise due to incompatible software or conflicting settings.
Corrupted Files: System files or components related to Windows Security may become corrupted over time, causing the application to malfunction.
Outdated Software: An outdated version of Windows Security can lead to compatibility issues with the Windows 11 operating system, resulting in Windows Security Not opening.
Malware Infection: In some cases, malware or viruses can target Windows Security to disable it, preventing it from running.
Windows Updates: An incomplete or interrupted Windows update can lead to Windows Security Not opening issues with various system components, including Windows Security.

What is Windows Security App

Windows Security in Windows 11 is an antivirus and security suite built into the Windows operating system. It is designed to provide essential security features to protect your computer from various threats, including viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software.

Windows Security in Windows 11 typically includes several key features and components, such as:

Antivirus and Antimalware Protection: Windows Security includes real-time scanning and protection against known and emerging threats. It can automatically scan files, programs, and web downloads for potential threats.
Firewall: Windows Security includes a built-in firewall that helps monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. It can block suspicious or unauthorized network connections.
Virus and Threat Protection: This component scans your system for viruses and other malware. It allows you to perform manual scans and provides regular updates to its threat database.
Device Performance and Health: Windows Security checks the overall health and performance of your device. It can identify and address issues that might affect system stability and security.
App and Browser Control: This feature helps protect against potentially harmful apps and websites. It can block or warn you about potentially dangerous downloads and suspicious activity.
Ransomware Protection: Windows Security includes a ransomware protection feature that helps prevent ransomware attacks and can recover files in case of an attack.
Family Options: For users with family members, Windows Security offers parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family’s online activities.

How to fix Fix Windows Security Not opening

Now that we understand the potential causes, let’s explore the solutions to fix Windows Security not opening in Windows 11.

1. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. Restarting your computer can help clear temporary glitches and conflicts that might be cause of Windows Security Not opening.

Save any ongoing work.
Click on the Start button.
Select the Power icon and choose Restart.

After your computer restarts, try opening Windows Security again to see if the Windows Security Not opening issue is resolved.

2. Reset the Windows Security App

It is inevitable that occasionally a bug will make one of your apps or system files stop working. But now that Windows 11 is out, fixing apps is simpler than ever. Without using any additional third-party software, you can easily debug and fix the Windows Security Not opening issue by following these simple steps:

Open Windows Search and type Windows Security.
Right-click on the Windows Security app and select “App Settings.”

Scroll down to Reset and click on the Repair option.

The program will be fixed by the system.
Try resetting the app by clicking on Reset if repairing it does not fix the problem. However, keep in mind that you will lose all of your app data if you do this.

3. Run an SFC Scan

A System File Check (SFC) scan can help identify and repair corrupted system files that may be causing Windows Security Not opening issues.

Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following commands to perform a quick fix on your PC: sfc /scannow
Be patient and wait till the scanning is complete.

4. Run DISM Scan

The DISM is another tool you can try out; while it’s not exactly like SFC, it functions almost identically. A DISM scan locates and corrects any flaws with your system image that might be causing Windows Security Not opening issues with the operation of your PC, much as how the SFC tool aids in PC repair.

Open Start.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following commands to perform a quick fix on your PC.
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The DISM commands are used for scanning your PC and automatically installing broken or missing Windows files on your PC.

5. Restart the Windows Security Service

For your PC to run smoothly, Windows Security uses a variety of applications and services. The Windows Security Center service, which keeps track of the security status of the critical system components, is one of these useful services.

Open the Run box by pressing Windows key + R.
Then type services.msc and press Enter.
In Services, look for “Security Centre.“
Restart can be accessed by right-clicking Security Centre.

6. Reset the Windows

If none of the above solutions resolve the Windows Security Not opening issue and Windows Security still refuses to open, you can consider performing a Windows reset. This will reinstall Windows 11 while keeping your files and settings intact.

Press the Windows key + I to open Windows “Settings.”
Click “System” from the left-hand side menu.
Scroll down and, select the “Recovery” option.
Under Recovery click on the “Reset PC.“

Choose from Keep my Files and Remove everything. Then follow the guidelines on the screen to complete the resetting process.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows 11 to improve system stability and security. Ensuring that your operating system is up to date can resolve Windows Security Not opening issues with Windows Security.

How long has it been since you last updated your Windows? If it’s been a while, it might be a good time to brush off the dust from your updates.

Follow these steps to check for updates on your Windows PC:

Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
In the Update & Security window, click on Windows Update in the left-hand menu.
Click on Check for updates and let Windows search for and install any available updates.
After the updates are installed, restart your computer and check if the brightness control function keys are functioning correctly.

brightness control function key not working

8. Disable Third-Party Security Software

If you have third-party antivirus or security software installed on your computer, it may be conflicting with Windows Security. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling such software can help determine if it’s the cause of the problem.

Right-click on the Start button.
Select Installed Apps from the menu.
Locate your third-party security software in the list.
Click on it and select Uninstall.

After uninstalling the software, restart your computer and check if Windows Security opens without any Windows Security Not opening issues. If it does, you can consider reinstalling the third-party software or using Windows Security as your primary security solution.

9. Repair Windows Security using Command

If Windows Security is still not opening after trying the above solutions, you can attempt to repair the application using Windows PowerShell.

Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.Windows.SecHealthUI | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Wait for the process to complete, and then close the command prompt.
Try opening Windows Security again. If the problem persists, move on to the next solution.

Conclusion

Windows Security is a vital component of Windows 11, and when it fails to open, it can leave your system vulnerable to digital threats. By following the solutions provided in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Windows Security not opening on your Windows 11 computer. Remember to keep your operating system and security software up to date to ensure the ongoing protection of your system.