Security software issues

Kim Hayes 0 Reputation points
2026-09-03T04:35:50.3233333+00:00

some of my core security is not updating or turned off

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. DaveM121 928.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-03T05:12:10.44+00:00

    1

    Please provide a screenshot of the notification in the Windows security window showing the problem you are seeing.

    2

    Click your Start Button, type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

    Click View and make sure 'Address Bar' is turned on.

    Paste this into the Address Bar at the top and hit Enter.

    HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

    Please provide a screenshot of that Registry Editor page.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-03T04:36:12.15+00:00

    Try this in order:

    1. Restart the PC.
      • A stopped Windows Defender Antivirus or Endpoint Protection service can sometimes recover after a restart.
    2. Check that the Windows Defender Antivirus service is running.
      • Open Start and run services.msc.
      • Select Windows Defender Antivirus Service.
      • Set Startup type to Automatic.
      • On the Action menu, select Start.
      • If Start is unavailable, select Stop, wait for it to stop, then select Start again.
    3. Make sure no third-party antivirus is disabling Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
      • If a non-Microsoft antivirus is installed and uses Windows Security Center, it can disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which also prevents updates.
      • Open Start > Settings > Apps.
      • Find any unwanted antivirus or antispyware app and select Uninstall.
      • Restart after uninstalling.
      • Caution: Removing security software can leave the PC temporarily unprotected. Make sure Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall are enabled afterward.
    4. Verify internet connectivity.
      • Open Start and run ncpa.cpl.
      • Open the active connection and check that IPv4 connectivity or IPv6 connectivity shows Internet.
      • If not connected, select the connection and use Diagnose this connection.
    5. Run the Windows Security troubleshooter.
      • Download and run the troubleshooter from this page: Download
      • It checks and can enable security features such as UAC, DEP, Windows Firewall, and antivirus protection status and updates.
    6. If security intelligence is not updating, confirm Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the primary antivirus.
    7. If Windows Update is also failing, run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
      • Select Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
      • Select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
    8. If updates still do not arrive, wait up to 24 hours after confirming internet access.
      • Some devices receive antivirus-related updates later, especially if they were offline.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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