How to Fix Windows Security Not Opening on Windows 10 and 11

Introduction

Windows Security is an essential feature that helps protect your computer from malware and other threats. However, many users face the frustrating issue of Windows Security not opening it might launch for a second and then close immediately, no matter how many times you try. In this guide, we’ll walk through various methods to resolve this problem on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Check and Reset Windows Security in Settings

For windows 10 Start by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features). Look for “Windows Security” in the list 

For windows 11 Navigate to Settings > System > System Components > Windows Security.

• If it appears, click on the three dots (or the app name) and go to Advanced Options.
• Use the Reset and Repair options. Reset the app first and check if it resolves the issue. If not, try repairing it.

If Windows Security does not appear in the list, skip to the next method.

2. Enable Background Apps

Windows Security might not work if background apps are disabled.

• Open Settings > Privacy > Background Apps.
• Ensure the toggle for “Let apps run in the background” is turned on.
• Also, confirm that Windows Security has permission to run in the background.

Restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Use Windows Troubleshooter

The built-in Windows Troubleshooter can often detect and fix problems with apps.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters.
• Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the Troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen instructions. If the troubleshooter fixes the issue, you’re good to go. If not, proceed to the next step.

4. Reset Windows Security via PowerShell

If the issue persists, use PowerShell to reset Windows Security.

• Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click, and run as administrator.
• Execute this command:

  Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage  

Restart your computer to check if Windows Security works. If not, repeat the steps and use the command to rebuild all system apps.

5. Repair Corrupt System Files

Corrupted system files can prevent Windows Security from functioning. Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool:

• Open Command Prompt (CMD) as administrator.
• First, check the system health using the DISM command:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth  
  

• If DISM detects corruption, restore the image health:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth  
  

• Once completed, run the SFC command:

  sfc /scannow  
  

Restart your PC after the process finishes and verify if the issue is resolved.

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6. Update Windows

Outdated system files might also cause Windows Security to malfunction.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
• Restart your PC to apply the changes and test Windows Security.

7. Use System Restore

If the problem started recently, try restoring your computer to a previous point when everything was working fine.

• Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
• Select a restore point and follow the prompts to restore your system.

8. Create a New User Account

Sometimes, the issue might be specific to your user profile. Create a new account:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
• Add a new user account, transfer your files, and test Windows Security under the new account.

9. Reset or Reinstall Windows

If none of the methods work, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset This PC.
• Choose Keep My Files to retain personal data but remove apps and settings.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your system.

For severe cases, you may need to use external media to reinstall Windows entirely.

Read Also: How to Resolve Microsoft Store Error 0xc0EA000A When Downloading Apps

Conclusion

Fixing Windows Security not opening on Windows 10 or 11 can require a combination of solutions. Start with simple steps like resetting the app or enabling background permissions. If those don’t work, use advanced tools like PowerShell, SFC, or System Restore. In extreme cases, resetting or reinstalling Windows might be necessary.

We hope this guide helped resolve the issue. If so, don’t forget to share it with others who might be facing similar problems!