If Windows Security or Defender closes immediately after opening or crashes in Windows 11/10, here are some fixes to eliminate the issue. There may be times when you cannot use Windows Security on your Windows 11/10 computer due to various reasons. It may close immediately after opening or start freezing or crashing. You can follow the following guides to mitigate the problem.
Windows Security closes immediately after opening
If your Windows Security closes immediately after opening – or crashes on your Windows 11/10 computer, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix the issue:
- Run antivirus scan at Boot time
- Use SFC
- Run DISM
- Repair or Reset Windows Security
- Disable or Uninstall Third-party antivirus
- Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
- Cloud Reset or Reset this PC
To learn more about solutions in detail, continue reading.
1] Run antivirus scan at Boot time
Windows Security allows users to scan the computer in Safe Mode or at Boot time. The option is called Microsoft Defender Offline scan, which you can find in the Virus & threat protection > Scan options in Windows Security. After choosing the option, you need to click the Scan now button.
Using any antivirus, you can scan your computer in Safe Mode or Boot time. Some antivirus software allows users to scan their PC at Boot-Time – they offer such an option. If your installed antivirus supports that option, you could use it.
2] Use SFC or System File Checker
System File Checker is a command-line utility built into Windows 11/10 computers to identify and fix corrupt system files. You need to use the sfc /scannow command in an elevated Command Prompt window to run it on your PC. However, if you do not know about the SFC scan, it is recommended to follow this tutorial.
3] Run DISM
DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management is another command-line tool that you can find on your Windows 11/10 computer. It fixes common issues with system apps like Windows Security. Follow this guide to learn how to run DISM tool to fix Windows Security issues.
4] Repair or Reset Windows Security
To repair Windows Security, open the Windows Settings app, and select System settings from the left side. On the right side, click on System Components. Next, locate Windows Security and click on the 3-dots link to show the Advanced options flyout. Click on it. Now, you will see the options to Repair or Reset the Windows Security app. Choose your desired option, click the button, and wait for the process to complete.
5] Disable Third-party antivirus
If you installed a third-party antivirus, you might get the same problem on your computer. Windows 11/10 disables Windows Security when you install a third-party antivirus. In the meantime, if you try opening the in-built security tool, you may encounter the issue as stated here. Therefore, disable the third-party antivirus and check if it solves the issue or not.
6] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
Clean Boot is such a state that allows users to boot their computers without additional services. In other words, it lets users determine whether the source of the problem is a third-party app or something else. For that, you need to follow this tutorial to learn how you can troubleshoot in the Clean Boot state in Windows 11/10 PC.
7] Cloud reset or Reset this PC
If nothing is working to fix the issue, you need to reset your computer to the factory defaults. When you reset your PC, it goes into the default settings and fixes the issue immediately. You might need to consider resetting your computer to eliminate the problem. You could also use the Cloud Reset option.
That’s all! I hope this guide helped.
Why does my Windows Security keep closing?
There could be various reasons why Windows Security keeps closing on your Windows 11/10 computer. Anything, from a third-party antivirus to a corrupted system file, can be responsible for this problem. However, if you encounter this issue, you can follow the solutions mentioned above in this article.
How do I fix Windows Defender from closing?
To fix Windows Defender from closing immediately after opening, you need to use the System File Checker, run the DISM tool, disable third-party antivirus, or troubleshoot in the Clean Boot state. However, if nothing is working, you can reset the PC to get it fixed.