Windows security nagware

Yes. Some Windows Security notifications can still appear even when additional notifications are turned off.

What can be turned off in the Windows Security app:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Settings > Manage notifications.
3. Adjust notifications for:
   • Virus & threat protection
   • Account protection
   • Firewall and network protection

For Microsoft Defender Antivirus specifically:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. Select Virus & threat protection settings.
4. In Notifications, select Change notification settings.
5. Turn additional notifications Off.

Important: this does not disable critical notifications such as threat detection and remediation alerts. Windows Security always keeps notifications that require immediate action.

If the device is managed by a work or school organization, some notification settings can be enforced by an administrator and cannot be changed locally.

If the issue is the specific false alert saying “Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off”, there is a documented known issue where that notification can appear even when Defender is active, and it can persist even if notification settings are turned off.

References:

• Windows Security App Settings
• Configure Microsoft Defender Antivirus notifications that appear on endpoints
• Hide Windows Security notifications
• Windows 10, version 22H2 known issues and notifications