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Windows Virus & Threat Protection showing Red X, but Windows Security is showing things are fine

Aimee Tassoni 25 Reputation points
2026-05-03T21:14:32.0966667+00:00

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Currently on Windows 11 Pro

Version: 10.0.26200 Build 26200

Not exactly sure if this is needed, but I noticed this change when I updated my Intel Graphics (Software Version 26.8.2209.3) and my Nvidia (Version 596.36). These updates were made last night as of writing this. I've done both a Quick Scan and Full Body with no result. Any ideas?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

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  1. Estrella721 36,555 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-03T21:52:01.53+00:00

    I understand how confusing it can be to see a Red X in Virus & Threat Protection while Windows Security is showing everything as fine. This usually happens due to a minor sync or display issue rather than an actual security problem.

    1. Right-click your Start Menu and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin)

    Copy and paste the command below and hit Enter:

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

    Let the process finish, then restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

    1. If that fails, the next step is to try System Recovery without deleting your files and apps.

    Click the Start menu > Settings > System > Recovery.

    Choose Reinstall Now under the section labeled 'Fix problems using Windows Update.'

    Once completed, your system will restart. Please check afterward.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-05-03T21:14:43.7133333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The red X on the taskbar icon usually indicates that Microsoft Defender Antivirus (the Threat service) is stopped or reporting an error, even if the main Windows Security home page still shows green tiles.

    To verify and correct the status, use the Virus & threat protection page directly:

    1. Open Windows Security (Start → search for Security → Windows Security).
    2. Select Virus & threat protection.
    3. At the top, check the Current threats section and any banner messages. If it shows Threat service has stopped. Restart it now, select the button to restart the service.
    4. In the same page, scroll to Virus & threat protection settings and ensure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled and not turned off by another provider.
    5. Go to Virus & threat protection updates and select Check for updates to make sure security intelligence is current.

    If the Threat service is off and cannot be restarted, or you see messages like Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off under Security providers, follow the troubleshooting steps for Defender service startup problems as described in the documentation referenced below.

    Once the Threat service is running and definitions are up to date, the notification area icon should change from red to green, matching the status shown in Windows Security.

    References:

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