Quick Solutions | Windows Defender Missing Windows 11

Are you missing Windows Defender or Microsoft Security in Windows 11? Then follow this easy guide to enable it. We have also talked about how you should always take a data backup if you suddenly don't have security software on the PC.

Windows Defender is the default anti-malware program on every Windows PC. Users complain about Windows Defender missing in action from their computers for various reasons. Common causes of such issues include security program conflicts or corrupted files. Interestingly, you can find effective solutions to the Windows Defender missing problem within a few steps. In addition, you can also seek an alternative for safeguarding your data under any circumstance. Let's solve the problem of the missing Windows Defender.

Quick Solutions 

Microsoft Defender is one of the leading anti-malware services available on Windows. Therefore, it is also referred to as Windows Defender in many cases. However, you may end up missing the Windows Defender on your computer on certain occasions.

You wouldn't want to miss the most powerful antivirus program associated with Windows 11. Most importantly, it is an essential tool for the safety of your computer from numerous threats such as viruses, malware attacks, spyware, and other issues. If Windows Defender does not work, you don't have to panic. The following post will outline a few simple solutions for the missing Windows Defender on your Windows 11 PC.

Causes of Missing Windows Defender on Windows 11

The best way to solve the problem of Windows Defender involves the identification of the causes of the problem. Why don't you see the Windows Defender protecting your system against malicious threats? The most common reasons for the missing Windows Defender include deleted Windows Defender files or conflicts with another security program. Some other reasons are listed below:

• You don't have the latest updates for Windows 11.
• The time and date on your computer are incorrect. 
• You have turned off Windows Defender manually.
• A system configuration error prevents Windows Defender from launching.
• Windows Defender has been turned off due to a Group Policy.

📖Read Also: Windows 11 Virus & Threat Protection Not Working

For example, if you have installed new antivirus software, it can interfere with the working of Windows Defender. Generally, you would find the following common causes for which Windows Defender is not visible on your system. 

How to Fix Windows Defender Missing Windows 11 Problem

As you can notice, the different causes for the missing Windows Defender problem are pretty trivial. With a keen eye for detail, you can identify these causes and resolve the issue with simple troubleshooting methods. For example, you can try resetting Windows Defender as the first solution. However, if you don't find any likely results with the simple solutions, you can try the following solutions.

1. Method 1. Re-enable Windows Defender If It's Disabled
2. Method 2. Restart Your System
3. Method 3. Check for System Updates
4. Method 4. Download and Run Microsoft Safety Scanner
5. Method 5. Reinstall Defender from the Microsoft Website

Method 1. Re-enable Windows Defender If It's Disabled

You can use the following steps to enable Windows Defender manually if it has been disabled by accident.

Step 1. Open "Settings" and access "Privacy & Security".

Step 2. Select "Windows Security" and click "Virus & threat protection".

Step 3. Open the Manage Settings link and enable "Real-Time Protection with Windows Defender".

Method 2. Restart Your System

One of the standard solutions for almost every problem is to restart your system. Here are the simple steps to restart your system.

Step 1. Save all your work.

Step 2. Click on the "Windows" button

Step 3. Then click on the "Power" button, and then choose the "Restart" option.

Method 3. Check for System Updates

The lack of the latest updates can also be one of the common reasons for Windows Defender not working on your system. Here are a few easy steps to check for Windows updates.

Step 1. Open Windows settings using "Win" and "I" keys. 

Step 2. Find "Windows Update" on the left-hand side of the screen and click on it.

Step 3. Look for the "Check for updates" option and click on it for running Windows updates manually.

Method 4. Download and Run Microsoft Safety Scanner

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a powerful tool tailored to identify and remove malware from Windows systems. You can download it and run a scan with the following steps.

Step 1. Download Microsoft Safety Scanner from the official Microsoft Support website and complete the installation process according to the instructions.

Step 2. Once you have completed the installation process, you will find three different scanning options: Quick scan, Full scan, and Customized scan. 

Step 3. Depending on the type of scan you select, the Microsoft Safety Scanner would take several minutes for the scanning process. 

Method 5. Reinstall Defender from the Microsoft Website

If the above solutions don't work out, you must choose the final resort, i.e., reinstalling Windows Defender.  Microsoft Defender is not available directly through the website, but you can download it using Windows terminal or PowerShell.

Step 1. Open Windows Terminal with admin permission.

Step 2. Copy-paste the following command and press the Enter key.

Step 3. It will install and fix any problem related to Defender in Windows.  

Once done, search for Windows Defender in the Start Menu and open it. Make sure to setup the real-time protection. 

Keep Data From Viruses Attack Even Windows Defender Go Missing

The problem of missing Windows Defender can have critical consequences for your computer. Without the default anti-malware protection tool, your system will likely be vulnerable to viruses and malware attacks. However, you need to note that whether you solve the issue of a missing Windows Defender or not, your data is at risk.

Therefore, your priority should be safeguarding your data above everything else. EaseUS Todo Backup tool can offer an exclusive opportunity for you to relax regarding data backup and security.

EaseUS Todo Backup is a powerful, one-stop destination for all your data backup requirements. You can easily take data backup from disks, files, operating systems, and partitions and store it according to your preferences. It also ensures easier data recovery to ensure you always have control over your data. However, the most crucial feature of EaseUS Todo Backup is called Security Zone. It's a tool that creates a secret partition on your computer that cannot be explored or changed by the user or third-party apps or the Windows itself. This feature allows EaseUS Todo Backup to help protect your important data from ransomeware.

You can follow the steps listed below to keep your data from viruses attack even Windows Defender go missing.

Step 1. Select Backup Contents

On the main window, click the big question mark button to select backup contents. You can choose to back up individual files, entire disk or partition, operating system and mails. 

Step 2. Select Security Zone as Backup Destination

While selecting backup destination, you can see the Security Zone option. Click Security Zone and use it as a backup destination.

However, if you're first to use the Security Zone function, EaseUS Todo Backup will guide you to create one. Click "Create Security Zone".

Choose a partition with enough free space for your backups and then click "Continue".

You can adjust the partition size for the security zone. Click "Create" to get it done. 

Step 3. Execute the backup task

Click "Backup Now" to start the backup process. Your backups of OS, files, drives and mails in the security zone will be fully protected from being seen or destroyed by virus, ransomeware and trojan. 

Bottom Line

The curious case of a missing Windows Defender can be annoying and troublesome if left unchecked. You don’t want to risk your valuable data to unprecedented malware attacks, viruses, or other threats. Therefore, you must identify the causes of the problem, such as a conflicting security program. Subsequently, you must implement the necessary troubleshooting methods and check whether Windows Defender works. Above everything else, you can ensure secure backup of your data with EaseUS Todo Backup, a reliable tool for safe data backup and recovery.