Unable to open "windows security" on Win 11 Laptop

MouldyOldDough

I am unable  to open "Windows Security" on my Win 11 Laptop in Settings

When I try via the control panel - I find Internet Security Settings - NO ISSUES DETECTED BY SECURITY AND MAINTENANCE - But still unable to open Antivirus or any other security !

plus there's no SCAN available on left click !!

Any suggestions ?

uknick

What version of Windows 11 do you have?  My partner has Windows 11 home which is set to run in "S", secure mode.  This one doesn't let her install any apps other than from the Microsoft store.  It also doesn't allow her to run a scan.

MouldyOldDough

uknick said:

What version of Windows 11 do you have?  My partner has Windows 11 home which is set to run in "S", secure mode.  This one doesn't let her install any apps other than from the Microsoft store.  It also doesn't allow her to run a scan.

its a standard win 11 home

uknick

But, is it set to S version?  That's shown in Settings - System - About.

Were you ever able to run manual scans?

MouldyOldDough

uknick said:

But, is it set to S version?  That's shown in Settings - System - About.

Were you ever able to run manual scans?

It shows as Windows 11 home

Yes - I was able to run manual scans in the past

I have installed Total AV which IS allowing me manual scans - but doesn't explain why Windows security is not working ..

EssexExile

Did you have the problem before you installed Total AV?

Newcad

Installing a 3rd party AV will usually turn Windows Defender off.

(It will still run scans occasionally).

If you have another antivirus app installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn off automatically. If you uninstall the other app, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn back on automatically.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-protected-with-windows-security-2ae0363d-0ada-c064-8b56-6a39afb6a963

Certain AntiMalware apps are specifically designed to run alongside Defender without it turning off, for an extra layer of protection.
Malwarebytes is one that can do that: https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium
If you don't register it in the Security Centre then it will run seamlessly alongside Defender.
https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039024313-Register-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-v4-with-the-Windows-Security-Center