Microsoft: Ignore 'Antivirus Off' Errors
Users of Windows 10 and 11 are being falsely warned that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off, despite the software functioning correctly, with a fix on the way
Microsoft has asked users to ignore 'Antivirus is turned off' errors after installing the latest Defender updates, as the issue is a bug and the antivirus is functioning correctly. The company is working on a fix to be released in a future update.
The issue affects all supported Windows client and server versions, including the latest Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025 releases. The erroneous alerts appear on affected systems in the Windows Security app and prompt users to 'Tap or click to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus'.
The bug causes notifications to 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, and persist even if notification settings are turned off.
The issue has been affecting users in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider program since June, but it appears Microsoft didn't notice it until now. The problem is not limited to Windows 11, but also affects Windows 10 users.
## What happens next Microsoft is working on a fix and will release it to affected customers in a future Microsoft Defender Antivirus update. Although the company has not provided an estimated time of arrival for the fix, users can rest assured that their antivirus is functioning correctly despite the false warnings.
The issue may cause confusion among users, who may be repeatedly asked to re-enable Microsoft Defender Antivirus. However, Microsoft assures users that there is no need to take any action, as the antivirus is working as intended.
## Why it matters This is not the first time Microsoft has told customers to ignore incorrect alerts and errors being displayed on their systems after installing updates. In the past, the company has addressed issues with invalid failure errors and incorrect BitLocker drive encryption errors on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. The latest bug is another example of the importance of thoroughly testing updates before release, to minimize disruptions to users.
