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Windows 🟡 Intermediate

How to reset Windows Security app in Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Jul 19, 2021 Updated Jul 22, 2026 4 min read
Fix Windows Security Issues in Windows 11 with a Reset
Fix Windows Security Issues in Windows 11 with a Reset

Resetting the Windows Security app in Windows 11 restores its default settings, which can fix problems when it’s not working right.

Windows Security acts like your computer’s guard, protecting you from viruses and dangerous software. If this guard gets glitchy, a reset is often the quickest fix.

This guide shows you how to reset the Windows Security app. You will learn simple steps using the Settings app and a more advanced method with Windows Terminal.

⚡ 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

Often, the best fix is already built into Windows. Windows 11 lets you reset many apps, including Windows Security. This method doesn’t require typing complex commands.

Step 1Open the Settings App

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and the I key together. Alternatively, click the Start button, then click the gear icon that looks like a Settings cog.

Step 2Go to System Components

In the Settings window, click on System in the left sidebar. On the right side, scroll down and click on System components.

Windows 11 System Components settings page showing app list.
Windows 11 System Components settings page showing app list.

Step 3Find Windows Security’s Advanced Options

Windows Security settings appear in a list of important Windows parts. Locate Windows Security within this list. To the right of Windows Security, click the icon with three dots. A small menu will appear, and you will choose Advanced options from this menu.

Windows Security app advanced options menu in Windows 11.
Windows Security app advanced options menu in Windows 11.

Step 4Start the Reset

On the Advanced options screen for Windows Security, scroll down until you see a button that says Reset. Click this button. A message will pop up asking if you’re sure. Click Reset again in this message.

Step 5Confirm the Reset

After clicking the final Reset button, you should see a small checkmark appear next to the Reset button. This means the Windows Security app has been reset. You can now close the Settings window.

Windows Security app reset button on advanced options page.
Windows Security app reset button on advanced options page.

Method 2Reset Windows Security for Your Account Using Windows Terminal

If the Settings app didn’t solve the issue, or if you prefer using commands, Windows Terminal offers another way. This method also resets the app for your current account.

Step 1Open Windows Terminal

Click the Start button, then type ‘Windows Terminal’ and select the app when it appears. It typically opens to PowerShell. If you see other options, make sure Windows PowerShell is selected at the top.

Step 2Paste and Run the Reset Command

In the PowerShell window, type or paste the following command precisely: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.SecHealthUI* | Reset-AppxPackage. Then, press the Enter key on your keyboard. PowerShell will execute the command.

Step 3Wait for the Command to Finish

To know when the reset for your Windows Security app is finished, just watch the text cursor in the Windows Terminal. When the command finishes running, the cursor will drop to a new line, showing the reset is complete. You can then safely close the window.

⚠️Warning
Be 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)

⚠️Warning
Resetting the Windows Security app restores the app to its original settings for everyone who uses your computer. This reset is useful if multiple people use the PC and the Windows Security app causes problems for all of them, or if you want a complete reset of the app.

You need to be an administrator to do this.

Step 1Open Windows Terminal as an Administrator

Click the Start button and type ‘Windows Terminal’. When it appears, right-click the result and select Run as administrator. If a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears asking for permission, click ‘Yes’.

Step 2Choose Windows PowerShell

With Windows Terminal open as an administrator, make sure you are in the Windows PowerShell tab. The title bar might say ‘Administrator: Windows Terminal’. If not, click the small arrow next to the plus sign (+) and select Windows PowerShell.

Step 3Enter the ‘All Users’ Reset Command

This command is similar to the last one but affects all users. Copy and paste the following command into the administrator PowerShell window: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.SecHealthUI* | Reset-AppxPackage. Press the Enter key after pasting.

Step 4Let the Command Finish

PowerShell will execute the command. You’ll know it’s finished when a new command line appears. This means Windows Security has been reset for all users on your computer. You can then close the Windows Terminal window.

Summary

You can reset Windows Security using the Settings app (Method 1) for your current user account. If that doesn’t work, you can use Windows Terminal to reset it for your account (Method 2) or for all users on the computer (Method 3), which requires administrator rights.

What does resetting Windows Security do?

No, clicking the Reset Button will not delete the virus definitions or security updates that are already installed. This option will reset the Windows Security App's settings and configuration, which resolves any app-related issues like launching or freezing during the system scan.

How to fix Windows Security not working in 🪟 Windows 11?

Reset Windows Security app: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find Windows Security, and click Advanced options. Click Reset.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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