It also includes a firewall and real-time virus defense that protects against ransomware by allowing users to access virtual folders so hackers cannot encrypt them. The Windows Defender can block unauthorized network traffic flowing in or out of the local device by providing host-based two-way network traffic filtering. But recently, many users have been complaining about the Windows Defender service not starting on Windows 11. This error usually occurs due to some corrupt files present on your device. However, other issues may be responsible for this. Keep reading this post to know how you can fix the Windows Defender service by not starting on Windows 11. Also Read- Fix Windows 11 Mouse Not Working After Sleep
How to Fix Windows Defender Service Not Starting on Windows 11?
Fix 1: Restart your Device
Before starting with complex troubleshooting methods, we recommend to restart your device. Restarting your device can fix minor bugs and errors quickly.
How to Fix Windows Defender Service Not Starting on Windows 11?Fix 1: Restart your DeviceFix 2: Run SFC ScanFix 3: Delete Temporary FilesFix 4: Run a DISM ScanFix 5: Switch Account using Admin ProfileFix 6: Disable Third-Party AntivirusFix 7: Set the Correct Environment VariableFix 8: Add a New User AccountFix 9: Update WindowsFix 10: Reset WindowsWrapping Up
Fix 2: Run SFC Scan
This error can also occur due to the presence of corrupted files on your system. Run an SFC or System File Checker scan to get rid of these corrupted files. Here is how you can do it:
Fix 3: Delete Temporary Files
Errors like these can occur if your PC if too much temporary files are accumulated your device. These files get corrupt sometimes and cause various problems on your device. To fix this, delete all temporary files. Here is how you can do it:
Fix 4: Run a DISM Scan
System image corruptions are also known to cause issues like these. Run a DISM Scan to repair any system image corruptions on your device. Follow these steps to do so:
Fix 5: Switch Account using Admin Profile
This error can also occur due to a lack of access permissions. To fix this, switch the user account using the admin profile. Here is how you can do it:
Fix 6: Disable Third-Party Antivirus
Third-party antivirus software installed on your device can also cause this issue. Disable any antivirus software installed on your device and check if the windows defender service starts running. If disabling the antivirus didn’t work, uninstall it temporarily and check for the same.
Fix 7: Set the Correct Environment Variable
The installation of third-party applications sometimes changes the value of Windows Environment Variables. This can also be the reason why Windows Defender is not working. You will have to check if the environment variables are set correctly to fix this. Here is how you can do it:
Fix 8: Add a New User Account
If your existing user account gets corrupted for any reason, errors like these can occur. Add a new Microsoft account to fix this. Here is how you can do it:
Fix 9: Update Windows
You may be using an old update of Windows that may be causing this issue. Update to the latest build and check if the problem is fixed. Here is how you can do it:
Fix 10: Reset Windows
If none of those mentioned above steps could help you, factory reset your PC. Sometimes, the error is in the Windows core files that cannot be repaired manually. Here is how you can factory reset your PC:
Wrapping Up
That’s all on how you can fix the Windows Defender service not starting in Windows 11. We hope that the troubleshooting methods mentioned above were able to help you. If you still have any issues, feel free to drop a comment below.
