Share via

Windows Defender service says it isn't running but says I'm protected and also says this device isn't fully protected?

Anonymous
2022-11-05T22:46:46+00:00

I open Microsoft Defender. I'm told everything looks good. I click Alerts and history. Screen say this device isn't fully protected. I click see details and instructed to go to Windows Security and start Defender. I open Windows Security and get that screen, not the Windows Defender screen like displayed the Microsoft Store (first screenshot). I have the app, and selecting it says to Get in Store App which opens to a screen that says Open. It opens to the second below which leads me to the Windows Security screen, not the Microsoft Defender screen. Where is the option to start Defender as stated in the screenshot?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Anonymous
    2022-11-05T23:43:45+00:00

    Hi Charmaine.Kavanagh,

    I'm Paul and I'm here to help you with your concern.

    Please try the following methods.

    1. Reset or Repair Windows Security App.

    Open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Windows Security > Advanced Options > click Reset or Repair.

    1. Reregister Windows built-in apps.

    > Open an elevated Windows PowerShell.

    > Copy and paste the command below in PowerShell, and press Enter. (

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

    > Restart the PC.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

1 additional answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2022-11-06T02:24:47+00:00

    Thanks! This worked! I called support and no resolve but just did your steps and the Defender if displaying correctly. I had to go into Apps, find Defender, click the square with the arrow and set Defender as default. I am running the quick scan now. I guess I removed the default in error. I remember deleting it from the system tray the other day.

    0 comments