I am unable to open microsoft security, virus threat and protection

Question

Whenever i click on open app on the windows virus threat and protection section, it doesn't open, i can't even get into virus threat and protection to do any scans on my pc

Answer 1

Hi,

The issue could be caused by third-party antivirus software blocking Windows Defender, a virus, or corrupted system file.

1. Please check if you have any third-party antivirus software installed on your computer, such as AdwCleaner, Avast, or similar applications. If you do, uninstall them completely, restart your computer, and then check if the issue is resolved.
2. Please try scanning your computer using Microsoft Safety Scanner and check if you can open Windows Security afterward: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/safety-scanner-download?view=o365-worldwide
3. Right-click your Start Menu and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin)

Copy and paste the command below and hit Enter:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage

Let the process finish, then restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

4. If that fails, the next step is to try System Recovery without deleting your files and apps.

Click the Start menu > Settings > System > Recovery.

Choose Reinstall Now under the section labeled 'Fix problems using Windows Update.'

Once completed, your system will restart. Please check afterward.

Answer 2

Use the Windows Security app directly instead of the “Open app” link and verify that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running.

1. Open the Windows Security app
   • Select Start and search for Windows Security.
   • Open it and select the Virus & threat protection tile (shield icon on the left).
2. Run a scan from Windows Security
   • In Virus & threat protection, select Quick scan to check for malware.
   • To scan more thoroughly, select Scan options and choose Full scan.
3. Confirm Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled
   • In Virus & threat protection, select Virus & threat protection settings or Manage settings.
   • Make sure Real-time protection is switched On. If it is Off, toggle it to On.
4. If the Virus & threat protection page shows that the service is stopped
   • Restart the device.
   • If it still shows messages like Threat service has stopped. Restart it now, open services.msc, locate Windows Defender Antivirus Service, set Startup type to Automatic, and start the service.
5. If using a third‑party antivirus
   • Microsoft Defender Antivirus may be disabled automatically. To use Defender instead, uninstall the third‑party antivirus from appwiz.cpl and restart the device; Defender should return to active mode.
6. To scan a specific file or folder
   • In File Explorer, right‑click the file or folder, select Show more options, then Scan with Microsoft Defender.

These steps allow access to Virus & threat protection and ensure Defender is active and able to scan the PC even if the “Open app” link does nothing.

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References:

• Stay Protected With the Windows Security App
• Microsoft Defender Antivirus in the Windows Security app
• Scan an item with Windows Security
• Ensure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled in the Windows Security app
• Troubleshoot Windows Defender or Endpoint Protection client