## Why is Windows Defender Not Turning On in Windows 11? Windows Defender not turning on in Windows 11? Call 1-888-668-0962 for quick solutions and keep your PC secure from threats. Windows Defender also known as Microsoft Defender is the built in antivirus and security program that comes with Windows 11. It protects your computer against viruses malware and other security threats. Sometimes users face the issue where Windows Defender does not turn on or stops working unexpectedly. This can leave your computer vulnerable to threats and can be frustrating to troubleshoot. In this guide we will explore the common reasons [why Windows Defender might not turn on in Windows 11 ](https://www.solutionsfreak.com/windows/)and provide step by step solutions to fix the issue. ### Common Reasons Why Windows Defender Will Not Turn On #### 1. Another Antivirus is Installed One of the most common reasons is the presence of another antivirus software. Windows Defender automatically disables itself if it detects another security program to prevent conflicts. #### 2. Corrupted System Files If important Windows system files are corrupted Defender might fail to start or may display errors when you try to enable it. #### 3. Group Policy or Registry Settings Certain group policy or registry configurations can disable Windows Defender intentionally or due to changes from other programs. #### 4. Pending Windows Updates If your Windows 11 system is not up to date some Defender components may not work properly. #### 5. Malware Infection Ironically a strong reason could be malware itself which may disable Windows Defender to avoid detection. ### How to Fix Windows Defender Not Turning On in Windows 11 #### 1. Check for Other Antivirus Software * Open Settings * Navigate to Apps and check for any antivirus software installed * Uninstall any third party antivirus if you want to use Windows Defender #### 2. Run a System File Check Corrupted files can be repaired using the built in System File Checker tool. * Open Command Prompt as Administrator * Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter * Wait for the scan to complete and restart your system #### 3. Update Windows 11 * Go to Settings * Select Windows Update * Click Check for updates * Install all available updates and restart your computer #### 4. Restart the Security Center Service * Press Windows Key + R * Type `services.msc` and press Enter * Find Security Center in the list * Right click and select Restart #### 5. Enable Defender through Group Policy * Press Windows Key + R and type `gpedit.msc` * Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus * Make sure Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus is set to Disabled #### 6. Scan for Malware in Safe Mode If malware is suspected boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking and run an offline scan using Windows Defender or another trusted tool. ### Preventing Windows Defender from Turning Off Again * Avoid installing unnecessary third party security programs if you prefer using Windows Defender * Keep your system updated regularly * Run periodic scans to ensure there are no hidden threats * Backup important files to an external drive or cloud storage ### When to Seek Professional Help If none of the solutions work there could be deeper system issues requiring advanced troubleshooting. This may include repairing Windows installation files or even performing a system reset while keeping your personal files safe. In such cases contacting Microsoft Support or a certified technician is recommended. ### Conclusion Windows Defender is a vital tool for protecting your [Windows 11 PC](https://www.solutionsfreak.com/). If it fails to turn on it could be due to conflicting software corrupted files outdated updates or even malware. By following the steps above you can usually restore Defender and ensure your system is protected without needing to install extra security programs. Regular updates and maintenance will help you avoid this issue in the future and keep your device running securely. Windows Defender not turning on in Windows 11? Call 1-888-668-0962 for quick solutions and keep your PC secure from threats.