Windows 🟡 Intermediate

How to Reset Windows Security App in Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Jul 19, 2021 Updated Oct 7, 2026 5 min read

Fix Windows Security Issues in Windows 11 with a Reset

Windows Security is the built-in app that protects Windows 11 from viruses, malware, and other threats. Resetting it clears broken cache files and restores the app’s default settings. This helps when the app won’t open, shows a blank window, or reports that protection features aren’t working.

Start with the Settings method, since it needs no commands and fixes most glitches. If that fails, you can run a command in Windows Terminal to reset the security package from scratch. A third method does the same for every user profile on the PC, and it needs administrator rights.

A reset can’t be undone. Any preferences you changed inside the app may go back to their defaults, so you may need to set them again afterwards. It is quick, though, and you don’t normally need to restart the PC.

⚡ Quick Answer

Reset the Windows Security app by going to Settings Apps Apps & features, finding Windows Security, clicking the three dots, selecting Advanced options, and then clicking Reset. This clears app data and fixes issues without affecting your personal files.

Method 1Reset Windows Security Using the Settings App

This method resets the app through the Settings menu, with no commands. It resets the app for your own account only.

Step 1Open the Settings App

You can open Settings in two ways:

Press the Win and the I key together.
Or click the Start button, then click the gear icon (the Settings cog).

The Settings window should now be open, with a list of categories down the left side.

Step 2Go to System Components

In the left sidebar, click System.
On the right, scroll down and click System components.

You should now see a list of the built-in components installed on your PC.

Windows 11 System Components settings page showing app list.

Step 3Find Windows Security's Advanced Options

Find Windows Security in the list. The list is alphabetical, so scroll down if you don't see it.
Click the three-dot icon to the right of Windows Security.
Click Advanced options in the small menu that appears.

If you don't see System components under System, your version of Windows 11 may be older. In that case, go to Settings Apps Installed apps, find Windows Security there, and use the same three-dot menu.

Windows Security app advanced options menu in Windows 11.

Step 4Start the Reset

On the Advanced options screen for Windows Security, scroll down to the Reset section.
Click Reset. A message pops up asking if you're sure.
Click Reset again in the message to confirm.

Windows now clears the app's data. This only takes a few seconds.

Step 5Confirm the Reset

After you confirm, a small checkmark appears next to the Reset button. That means the Windows Security app has been reset, and you can close the Settings window.

Open Windows Security from the Start menu to check that it works. If it still fails to open or behaves the same way, restart the PC once and try again. If that doesn't help, move on to the Windows Terminal method.

Windows Security app reset button on advanced options page.

Method 2Reset Windows Security for Your Account Using Windows Terminal

Use this method if the Settings app didn't fix the problem, or if you prefer working with commands. It also resets the app for your current account only, so you don't need administrator rights.

Step 1Open Windows Terminal

Click the Start button.
Type Windows Terminal and select the app when it appears.
Check the tab at the top. Terminal usually opens to PowerShell. If it opened to something else, make sure Windows PowerShell is selected.

You should see a PowerShell window with a prompt waiting for input.

Step 2Paste and Run the Reset Command

Type or paste this command exactly as shown: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.SecHealthUI* | Reset-AppxPackage
Press Enter.

PowerShell now runs the command. Pasting is safer than typing because one wrong character can make the command fail.

Step 3Wait for the Command to Finish

To tell when the command has finished, watch the prompt. When the reset is done, the cursor drops to a new line with a fresh prompt, and you can safely close the window. Red error text means something went wrong. In that case, check that you copied the command exactly and run it again.

⚠️WarningBe very careful when typing or pasting commands.

A single wrong character can cause errors. Always check that you copied the command perfectly.

Method 3Reset Windows Security for All Users (Requires Administrator)

This method resets Windows Security for every user profile on the PC at once. It is useful on a shared computer, or when the problem shows up for more than one account. It requires administrator privileges.

Performing this action requires administrator privileges. If you are signed in with a standard account, you will be asked for an administrator password.

Step 1Open Windows Terminal as an Administrator

Click the Start button and type Windows Terminal.
Right-click the result and select Run as administrator.
If a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asks for permission, click Yes.

Windows Terminal should now open with administrator rights. If the Run as administrator option is missing, make sure you right-clicked the Windows Terminal result, not a different app.

Step 2Choose Windows PowerShell

Check that you are on the Windows PowerShell tab. The title bar may say Administrator: Windows Terminal, which confirms you have admin rights.
If you are on a different tab, click the small arrow next to the plus sign (+) and select Windows PowerShell.

You should now see a PowerShell prompt in the administrator window.

Step 3Enter the 'All Users' Reset Command

This command is similar to the last one, but it affects all users.

Copy and paste this command into the administrator PowerShell window: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.SecHealthUI* | Reset-AppxPackage
Press Enter.

Step 4Let the Command Finish

PowerShell runs the command. You'll know it has finished when a new command line appears. That means Windows Security has been reset for all users on the computer. Close the Windows Terminal window when you're done.

If you see red error text instead, check that the window really is running as administrator and that the command was pasted in full.

Summary

Feature updates or a later system repair may set the app's configuration back to its defaults. If problems continue after a reset, open Windows Security and run a manual scan to test the protection features. Restart the PC and run the scan again if the app still fails to open or the scan won't start.

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Tags: #Windows 11

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.

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