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Flashing shield on lower task bar

Anonymous
2019-03-23T15:30:16+00:00

On my task bar at the bottom of the screen I have a flashing orange square with the blue and yellow quartered shield in it which won't allow me access to anything in the task bar. I can't access Word and Excel until I go to task manager and select "end task", but it always comes up on every restart. Anyone know what caused this and how to remedy it please? It won't even respond to clicking on it or let me know what it is there for.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. DaveM121 870.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-03-23T16:17:18+00:00

    Hi Rick

    1.

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager

    Look for a task that's named Administrator and end task on that

    2.

    Open the Settings App (gear ion on your Start Menu)

    Go to Update and Security - Windows Security - Open Windows Defender Security Center

    Is there any indication on that page that there is some action needed?

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-03-24T13:07:16+00:00

    Hello DaveM. That took care of the issue. Thanks so much for the information and help!

    Another question: Since the flashing started, I have been unable to open links in emails. I just tried again with no luck. Are these items related?

    Thanks, Rick

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