Microsoft Warns Against False Defender Antivirus Alerts on Windows Devices
Microsoft has issued a warning to users of its Windows operating system about a software bug causing false 'Defender Antivirus is turned off' notifications. The issue affects Windows 11, Windows 10, and multiple Windows Server versions.
The bug, which started with recent Defender updates from late August, causes the antivirus feature to incorrectly report itself as disabled during bootup or while in use. However, this does not pose a direct security risk since the antivirus engine and scanning remain operational.
Users are advised by Microsoft to open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, and confirm that real-time protection shows as On. If there are no real alerts on the dashboard and protection is active, consider 'Defender is off' pop-ups as false until Microsoft fixes it in a future Defender update.