Windows Defender reports it's off, even though it's running normally. Microsoft advises ignoring the notification

If, after the latest update, your computer started claiming that Windows Defender is turned off, you don’t need to panic immediately. It’s just a bug in displaying notifications – the antivirus is running completely normally, and Microsoft itself advises ignoring the message.

Latest Updates Broke Notifications

The error appears after installing the latest updates for Microsoft Defender antivirus. A notification then pops up in Windows stating that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off, and the system prompts you to click to enable protection. However, there’s nothing to enable – all switches show that protection is running. This was reported by PCGamer and BleepingComputer.

Microsoft itself confirmed the bug in its overview of known issues: the message reportedly appears even when the antivirus “is functioning correctly” and settings show it as active. Furthermore, the notification returns after Windows starts, even if you turn off notifications.

The problem is not marginal. It affects practically all supported versions of Windows and Windows Server – from the latest Windows 11 26H1 and 25H2 through 24H2 to older Windows 10, and it has not bypassed Windows Server 2025 either. According to available information, users in the Windows Insider testing channel have been troubled by it since June – but Microsoft only noticed it now.

Windows Defender reports it's off, even though it's running normally. Microsoft advises ignoring the notification Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

What to Do Now?

The most important thing is not to be alarmed. Clicking the “turn on protection” prompt or reinstalling Windows will not solve the problem – and most importantly, they are not necessary, because Defender continues to protect throughout. If you want to be sure, open the Windows Security application and look in the Virus & threat protection section. If real-time protection is enabled, it is truly just a cosmetic flaw.

Microsoft states it is working on a fix and will deliver it in one of the upcoming Defender updates. However, a specific date has not yet been announced. Until then, you have no choice but to ignore the annoying message.

It’s Not the First Time Microsoft Has Advised Ignoring Bugs

Situations where the company urges users to overlook its own error messages recur regularly. Just this spring, Microsoft addressed an invalid error 0x80070643 for Windows Recovery Environment updates, as well as erroneous BitLocker encryption reports. In summer 2025, people encountered false firewall alerts and incorrect certificate reports. The currently fixed Defender falls into the same category.

Did you also get a false notification about Defender being turned off?

Sources: BleepingComputer, PC Gamer