Windows security no longer opens in Windows 11 or 10

If you can no longer open Windows Security in Windows 11 or 10, it could be a security risk.

Windows Security provides a range of options to manage and protect your computer, including antivirus protection, an firewall, ransomware protection, device performance and more. Without access to these settings, your device could be vulnerable to security risks, which could lead to significant damage to your computer, possible data loss, or stolen personal files.

There are several reasons why you can't open Windows security settings. It may be due to poor functioning system file, a virus or malware infection, an outdated or incompatible operating system, or problems with your account. Additionally, third-party software installed on your device may conflict with Windows Security settings and prevent them from opening.

Windows security no longer opens in Windows 11 or 10

The first thing I advise you to try is to restart the computer. A restart of the computer restores files and processes. After this, you may be able to open Windows Security again.

If a restart did not work, you can try the following solutions.

Fix Windows security

You can use certain defaults in Windows 11 repair apps. This way you can also repair Windows security.

Open the settings. Click on “Apps” in the left menu and then on “Installed apps”.

Search for “Windows Security” and click the “…” right next to it to open the menu. In the menu, click on “Advanced options”.

You now have two options to reset Windows security. You can restore Windows security. This way the app will be reset and settings will be retained.

You can also reset Windows security. The app will then be completely reset, including all settings. That means that any changes you made to Windows security settings will be lost.

Reset Windows security

You can completely reset Windows security via a special command. The app is then, as it were, reinstalled. This is done via PowerShell.

Right-click the Start button. In the menu, click on “Terminal (administrator)”.

In the Terminal window, enter the full command:

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

Check whether you can now open Windows Security.

Reinstall Windows security

You can also reinstall Windows Security via PowerShell if you experience any issues with the security app.

Right-click the Start button. In the menu, click on “Terminal (administrator)”.

In the Terminal window, enter the full command:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

Press ENTER. Now enter the following command:

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

Check whether you can now open Windows Security.

Run SFC and DISM

SFC and DISM are two built-in tools in Windows that are used to diagnose and repair problems with the operating system.

SFC (System File Checker) is a utility in Windows that detects and repairs damaged system files. It compares the current versions of system files with the versions stored in a cache, and replaces damaged files with good copies. The SFC utility can be run from the Command Prompt, and is useful for troubleshooting missing or corrupted system files that can cause errors or system instability.

Run SFC

Open the Command Prompt as administrator. Enter the following command:

SFC /scannow

Wait for SFC to complete.

Run DISM

Open the Command Prompt as administrator. Enter the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

If any problems are detected then SFC or DISM will resolve itself.

Not solved yet? Try the following

If the problem is not resolved, try removing policy settings. You can read how to do this here.

I hope this has helped you get Windows security working again in Windows 11 or Windows 10. Thank you for reading!