Windows Defender is a pre-installed antivirus software on Windows operating systems. It is designed to protect your computer from malware, spyware, and viruses. However, sometimes Windows Defender might not work properly, and this could lead to a potential security risk. In this article, we will discuss how to fix Windows Defender and ensure that your computer is protected against threats.
How to Reinstall Windows Defender on Windows 11
If you are using Windows 11, you might face issues with Windows Defender not working properly. Here’s how you can reinstall Windows Defender on Windows 11:
- Click on the Start button and open the Settings app.
- Click on “Apps” and then select “Apps & features” from the left panel.
- Scroll down and find “Windows Security” and click on it.
- Select the “Advanced options” link under the Windows Security app’s name.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Reset” under the Reset section.
- Finally, click the “Reset” button on the confirmation dialog to reinstall Windows Defender.
Fixing Error Message “You’ll Need a New App”
If you keep receiving the error message “You’ll need a new app to open this,” this would mean that Windows Defender might have been disabled by a third-party antivirus. Here’s how to fix this issue:
- Click on the Start button and open the Control Panel.
- Click on “Programs” and then select “Programs & Features” from the list.
- Find the antivirus software that you had installed and uninstall it.
- Restart the computer to ensure that all the changes take effect.
- Once your computer has restarted, Windows Defender should function correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Windows Defender
1. How do I know if Windows Defender is running?
To check if Windows Defender is running or not:
- Click on the Start button and open the Settings app.
- Select the “Update & Security” option from the menu.
- Click on “Windows Security” from the left panel.
- If Windows Defender is working correctly, it should say “Your device is being protected by Windows Defender Antivirus” on the main page of the Windows Security app.
2. Can I use Windows Defender with another antivirus?
No, it is not recommended to run Windows Defender alongside any other antivirus software. This could cause conflicts, which could lead to one or both of the antivirus programs not functioning correctly. It is best to use either Windows Defender or another antivirus software.
Video Tutorial: How to Fix Windows Defender
Here’s a video tutorial on how to fix Windows Defender:
In Conclusion
Windows Defender is an essential software for every computer running on a Windows operating system. It helps protect your device from malware, viruses, and other threats. However, sometimes Windows Defender might not function correctly, which could lead to a potential security threat. This article has discussed how to fix Windows Defender so that your device stays protected from all kinds of threats. If you face any issues while following these steps, reach out to a professional technician for further assistance.
