Fatal Error from Microsoft Defender

jatin 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T14:29:12.8233333+00:00

Screenshot 2026-09-16 201203

Hey!!

Microsoft is sending me notification "Turn on virus protection" -> "Virus protection is turned off. Tap or click to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus"

  • Obviously it is already on and when clicking, it just open the MS defender and nothing else.
  • Real time protection and everything related are already on.
  • Only happen once per startup of computer. (Everytime i turn my system on, it shows).
  • Every service related to MS defender working fine. Just why notification and virus protection turned off is showing for no reason.
  • Also, clicking on open app also just open the virus & threat protection tab in MS Defender
  • Scaning also works.

Please help, it would be grateful to me. ;)

Screenshot 2026-09-16 194310

Screenshot (240)

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Ramesh 181.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-16T15:35:18.4833333+00:00

    It's a known issue, and Microsoft is working on a fix.

    Reference: Windows 11, version 25H2 known issues and notifications | Microsoft Learn

    Incorrect notifications that "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off"

    Status Originating update History

    Confirmed N/A

    Last updated: 2026-08-28, 16:02 PT

    Opened: 2026-08-28, 15:34 PT

    After installing the latest updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, notifications might appear stating that "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off," even though the antivirus is functioning correctly and all settings show it as active. These notifications can appear when Windows starts and intermittently afterward. They persist even if notification settings are turned off.

    This issue can be observed in any version of Windows or Windows Server with Microsoft Defender Antivirus running with the latest Defender updates.

    Next steps: We are working to release a resolution in a future Microsoft Defender Antivirus update and will provide more information when it is available.

    Affected platforms:

    Client: Windows 11, version 26H1; Windows 11, version 25H2; Windows 11, version 24H2; Windows 11, version 23H2; Windows 10, version 22H2; Windows 10, version 21H2; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016

    Server: Windows Server 2025; Windows Server 2022; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012

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