How to Reset Windows Security App in Windows 11

This post instructs how to reset and repair the Windows Security apps in Windows 11. The Windows Security app, an information center rather than an antivirus, reports device health and threat info if Microsoft Defender is installed. Users may resolve common issues by resetting the app via the settings, or, if not visible, through PowerShell…

This post shows students and new users how to reset their Windows Security apps when using Windows 11 to repair or resolve common issues.

Windows Security app is a desktop client interface app that comes with a Windows system that gives the user a security glance of what’s happening with the security and health of the user’s computer and helps them take action when necessary.

Windows Security app is not an antivirus or antimalware app but an information center. If Microsoft Defender is installed and enabled, the Windows Security app gathers and reports device health and threat information.

Users can then take actions, including enabling additional security features and running security scans via Microsoft Defender.

To resetting Windows Security apps in Windows 11, follow the steps below.

How to repair Windows Security apps in Windows 11

Windows Security app allows you to monitor and view the health of their systems. These are some of the things you can do with Windows Security apps: You can not uninstall the Windows Security app, but you can do one of the following:

  • Disable the interface on Windows 11.
  • Hide all of the sections on client computers
  • Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus, if needed.

If the Windows Security app isn’t functioning properly, reset it using the steps below:

Click on Windows Start on the taskbar, then search for ‘Windows Security in the search box. Then, right-click on the Windows Security app from the relevant result and click on Apps settings.

When the app’s settings open, scroll down and click on Reset.

When prompted with a warning that resetting will permanently delete the app’s data and preferences, click the Reset button again.

This will reset and repair the app’s settings and documents. Doing this may resolve some issues when the apps won’t open and suddenly close after opening.

Windows Security Apps dashboard that shows the computer’s health and what’s going on with the machine.

One commenter below mentioned that if users do not see the Windows Security app, they should run the commands below from PowerShell as administrator.

Click the Start menu, then search for and select the PowerShell app from the relevant results. Then right-click and click “Run as administrator.”

When the PowerShell console opens, run the commands below.

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

That should do it!

Conclusion:

Resetting the Windows Security app in Windows 11 can help resolve various issues related to its functionality. Here are the key takeaways:

  • The Windows Security app is essential for monitoring the health and security of your system.
  • Resetting the app clears its data and preferences, potentially fixing errors and malfunctions.
  • Users can easily reset the app through the settings menu.
  • If the app is not visible, utilizing PowerShell commands provides an alternative way to restore it.
  • Regular maintenance of the Windows Security app ensures your system remains protected and functional.

Comments

49 responses to “How to Reset Windows Security App in Windows 11”

  1. Windows Security App was not found/ listed in Apps. How can we fix this?

    1. I have the same problem. Can you please answer it?

  2. Carlos Adrián Avatar
    Carlos Adrián

    I also have the same problem where the Windows Security App was not found

  3. To resolve the issue with the app no longer appearing. Run the below in an elevated powershell.

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

    1. This worked perfectly. Thank you.

    2. Errol Rodrigues Avatar
      Errol Rodrigues

      Thank you for the fix!

    3. This is what fixed it for me as well!

    4. Only Home option is showing in windows security app with blank screen and nothing else, when opened from windows search. But from settings app not able to open windows security. Tried the above code in powershell but of no use, same issue.

      Upgraded from win 10 to win 11

  4. Worked like a charm. Thanks

  5. Thanks Richard.

    Your post here resolved my Windows 11 missing Security App.

    Regards.

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