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Windows Security shows Unknown? Here’s Why
Restart the Windows Security service
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Several Windows users have reported that Windows Security shows Unknown status out of nowhere for various security features.
Apart from this, the Local Security Authority Protection within Core Isolation selection is disabled despite being turned on, and it is impossible to scan your PC to identify and eliminate viruses and malware.
If a similar case happens to you as well, try the solutions listed below to remove the unknown status from Windows Security to get it back to its normal state.
Why is Windows security showing unknown status?
There can be several reasons why Windows security is suddenly showing unknown status:
How do I fix the unknown status in Windows Security?
Try these simple tricks before moving on to the complex solutions:
If the issue is not resolved yet, implement the methods listed below.
1. Run SFC and DISM scans
After the SFC and DISM scan repair the broken system files, restart your PC and see if the issue is resolved.
2. Disconnect the work or school accounts
As reported by several Windows users on different help forums, this issue primarily arises on PCs having work or school accounts connected. So disconnecting these accounts should be effective in resolving this problem.
If you face problems removing the work and school accounts from your PC, refer to this guide to get much-needed help.
3. Repair Windows Defender
After Windows Defender and other Microsoft Store apps are repaired successfully on your Windows PC, close the Powershell window and reboot your system.
Now go back to check the Device Security status in the Windows Security app. It will no longer show the status as Unknown.
4. Reinstall Windows Defender
Deleting the Windows Defender key will reset the misconfigured Windows Security settings, which may be the reason for the unknown status of device security on your Windows PC.
5. Restart the Windows Security service
If the Windows Security Service running in the background encounters a glitch, Windows Defender may malfunction and run into bizarre problems like the one at hand.
That’s all about it! Implementing these methods will help you remove the unknown status in Windows security if it is bothering you.
In caseyou have trouble opening Windows Security in Windows 11, refer to this guide for effective solutions.
If you have other feedback and suggestions, let us know in the comments below.
More about the topics:Windows Defender issues
Taiba Hasan
A postgraduate in Computer Applications, she is an avid technical writer who loves to craft content revolving around Windows, Android, and emerging technologies like SaaS. With How-To and troubleshooting guides, she aims to provide the best solutions for the problem and make technology less complicated for novice users.
Besides writing, she also loves to cook delicacies and spent time in her garden. In her free time, you will find her binge-watching web series or gazing the night sky.
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