Microsoft Defender is repeatedly telling users that protection is turned off when, in fact, it isn’t.
Apparently, this is down to a bug in the latest Defender update. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is currently working on a solution, although when that solution might be available is unknown at this time.
The message is popping up repeatedly, especially at initial loading, and the issue is affecting both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
“After installing the latest updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, notifications might appear stating that ‘Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off’, even though the antivirus is functioning correctly and all settings show it as active. These notifications can appear when Windows starts and intermittently afterward. They persist even if notification settings are turned off” ~ <source: Microsoft>
Some tech sites are advising users to simply ignore the message but, in my opinion, that is bad advice.
I would suggest first checking Defender’s protection settings to make sure they are all active and, once you’ve ascertained that they are active, then and only then should you ignore any further messages.
BOTTOM LINE:
It’s a concern when a user’s antivirus is reporting that protection is disabled, and I’m surprised Microsoft hasn’t already moved to provide a fix. If you’re receiving this message, I cannot stress enough the importance of first checking whether Defender’s protections are active or not.
Hopefully, Defender’s protections will be active, in which case you have nothing to worry about.
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Jim, I am also seeing the same on my iPad Pro and also my Samsung phone. Pops up unexpectedly and when I check it is running. So it must be in the design, not limited to Microsoft Windows where I also see it but not as often as on the iPad and phone.
Okay, good to know. Thanks Vince.