How to: Fix Windows Defender Security Center Has a Red X

Here we can see, “How to: Fix Windows Defender Security Center Has a Red X”

• It’s most likely a UI issue if your Windows Defender icon has a red X on it.
• This problem typically occurs after upgrading to a newer version of Windows.
• Your Firewall may not be working if you see a red circle with a white X logo.
• It’s worth noting that restarting your smartphone will clear the visual problem.

Many users have reported that the Windows Defender shield changes after running a full scan after installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

The antiviral changes from all-white to a red circle with a white X covering the shield’s lower right quadrant. Then there’s the question of what this new icon means.

No one can answer this question for the time being; the red circle with the white X overlay is as enigmatic as the Bermuda Triangle. The good news is that Windows Defender appears to be working properly again.

All of the status indicators are normal: the antivirus shows that the computer is being monitored and protected, that real-time protection is active, and that the virus and spyware definitions are current.

Users are perplexed by the Windows Defender shield layer.

The following is what one user said:

The Windows Defender shield changes from all-white to the following image after installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update and running a complete scan (a red circle containing a white X overlaying the lower right quadrant of the shield.) What does this imply?

All of the Insiders who commented on the forum thread confirmed that they had never seen this overlay before.

Some even claimed that the overlay is a fascinating phenomenon. However, given that Windows Defender appears to be functioning regularly, we wouldn’t jump to that conclusion.

Perhaps the red x in the Windows Defender firewall is a new overlay feature that Microsoft overlooked.

What can I do to get rid of the Windows Defender overlay?

1. Start Windows Defender again.
2. From the System tray, select the Windows Defender icon.
3. Then, select the Gear symbol.
4. Then select Windows Defender from the drop-down menu.

It can appear to be turned on. Turn it off and then back on.

If you’re annoyed by the weird Windows Defender shield overlay, simply switch off the antivirus and then on again. According to accounts from users, this simple procedure removes the strange overlay.

This was a problem for me as well. My solution was as follows. In the system tray, click the Windows Defender icon. The gear (settings) icon should be selected. Select Window Defender from the menu. It may appear to be “on” here. Turn it “Off” and “On” one again. It was effective for me. Good luck to everyone!

2. Perform a full system scan

1. Press Windows Key + S and type Command Prompt into the search box.
2. Run it as administrator by right-clicking on it.
   • sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the procedure to complete.

Running a System Scan will fix most system issues, including the Windows Defender shield red cross problem because Windows Defender is incorporated into the system.

3. Perform a DISM scan

1. Press Windows Key + S and type Command Prompt into the search box.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth in Command Prompt.
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
3. You can also type:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Wait for the procedure to complete.

4. Restart your computer or device

Due to some competing applications, this could just be a visual bug. You should be safe if your Windows Defender is truly working properly, even if the icon has changed.

It’s possible that restarting your device will fix the problem, but this isn’t guaranteed. Most likely, this is a Microsoft issue that will be resolved over time.

Conclusion

I hope you found this guide useful. If you’ve got any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the shape below.

User Questions:

1. What can I do if Windows Defender is corrupted?

1. Third-party antivirus solutions should be disabled and removed.
2. Update Windows to the most recent version.
3. Perform an SFC scan.
4. Make sure your registry is clean.
5. Examine the variables in your environment.
6. Modify the system’s permissions.
7. Make a new account for yourself.
8. Upgrade your system while it’s still running.

2. What’s the deal with my firewall being red?

If Windows Firewall’s status is red, the notice “Windows Defender Firewall is not protecting your machine using the recommended settings” appears. This is due to the F-Secure Client Security 14 firewall profile’s Unknown inbound and outbound connections settings.

3. Is it possible to reinstall Windows Defender?

All registered Windows users receive a free copy of Windows Defender. If your Windows Defender isn’t working or is missing from your computer, you may reinstall it in a matter of minutes and with no technical knowledge. Windows Defender can be installed without the use of a CD.

4. Get rid of red x on Windows Defender : r/techsupport – Reddit

Get rid of red x on Windows Defender from techsupport

5. How do I remove red X icon from Defender?

How do I remove red X icon from Defender? (More info in comments) from Windows10