Notification from Microsoft Security Virus and Threat Protection says it is not on, when it is!

Anders Strand-Holm 40 Reputation points
2026-09-11T10:51:53.4333333+00:00

I received some fine first and second level support from Microsoft Support yesterday. Windows update was stuck but was fixed. Since then Microsoft Security Virus and Threat Protection displays a notification that the protection is not on and that I should turn it on. When I check it is turned on. One time the little hidden icon was not there. The notification usually appears shortly after boot.

It makes me uncomfortable and is annoying. How do I fix this issue?

Thanks, Anders

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-11T10:52:10.2966667+00:00

    This is a confirmed Microsoft issue in some recent Microsoft Defender Antivirus updates. The notification can say "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off" even when Defender is active and all settings show it as on. It commonly appears shortly after startup and can continue appearing even if notification settings are turned off.

    What is supported right now:

    1. Verify in Windows Security that Virus & threat protection still shows protection as active.
    2. If protection is active, treat the alert as a false notification rather than an actual loss of antivirus protection.
    3. If the Windows Security icon is missing from the tray, try launching it manually:
      • Press Windows + R
      • Run C:\Windows\System32\SecurityHealthSystray.exe
    4. Check whether the tray icon is enabled:
      • Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > System tray icons
      • Make sure Windows Security Notification Icon is turned on
    5. If the issue continues, report it through Feedback Hub.

    Microsoft is working on a fix in a future Microsoft Defender Antivirus update.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Bence Weiszmann 1,560 Reputation points
    2026-09-11T12:58:11.8533333+00:00

    Dear @Anders Strand-Holm

    This is actually a known issue at the moment. There have been a number of reports of Windows 11 showing the “Turn on virus protection” notification even though Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled and working normally. Since Virus & threat protection is showing “No action needed” with a green tick on your PC, this looks like the same issue. The notification itself does not necessarily mean that Defender is actually turned off.

    Official link:

    You can also report the issue through Feedback Hub by pressing Win + F. There is already a feedback report for the same problem that you can upvote.

    Best regards,
    Bence

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