Updated on: October 1, 2024
Short on time? Here’s how to remove the Windows Defender Security Warning Virus:
- 1. Preliminary Step. Check your web browser for any issues and restore its default settings.
- 2. Scan Your Computer. Download and install a premium antivirus like Norton and run a full disk scan on your PC.
- 3. Remove Virus. After the scan has finished, your antivirus will quarantine any suspicious files. Go through your antivirus’s quarantine folder and remove any dangerous files.
- 4. Stay Protected. Keep your antivirus installed, download a VPN, and avoid visiting dangerous websites.
Windows Defender is a genuine antivirus built into Windows, so there’s a chance that when you see a Windows Defender security warning it’s real. However, it’s more likely that you’re seeing a fake security warning because you clicked on a dangerous link or have malware installed on your computer — such as a trojan, spyware, adware, or a PUP (potentially unwanted program).
Either way, you should download and install a reliable antivirus program like Norton, and scan your computer for malware.
It’s important to avoid calling any phone number that’s displayed on the fake Windows Defender security warning. If you do, scammers will try to trick you into buying dangerous software or allowing them remote access to your computer so they can cause even more damage — such as encrypting your hard drive with ransomware.
The only safe way to remove the fake Windows Defender security warning is to follow the below steps using a reliable antivirus program. You’ll also learn how to stay protected from future malware threats in 2024.
Try Norton (60 Days Risk-Free)
Preliminary Step: Remove Any Suspicious Extensions and Reset Your Web Browser’s Default Settings
Note: You only need to follow this step if the Windows Defender security warning is being issued through your web browser. If you’re receiving the security warning as a desktop notification, skip to Step 1.
Remove Suspicious Extensions
Note: This step varies depending on what web browser you’re using, so pick the most appropriate option:
- Remove Suspicious Extensions on Chromium Browsers (Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge).
- Remove Suspicious Extensions on Firefox.
Remove Suspicious Extensions on Chromium Browsers
- If you’re using Microsoft Edge, click the puzzle piece icon in the top-right corner of your web browser and click Extensions.
- Click Manage extensions.
- Find any suspicious extensions, and click Remove. A pop-up will ask you to confirm your decision. Restore your browser’s default settings if this doesn’t solve the issue. Then, pick a high-quality antivirus for your system and scan your computer for malware.
Remove Suspicious Extensions on Firefox
- Click the puzzle icon in the top right corner of your web browser.
- Click on Extensions.
- Find any suspicious extensions, and click the 3 horizontal dots to their right. Click Remove. A pop-up will ask you to confirm your decision. Click Remove again.
- Restore your browser’s default settings if this doesn’t solve the issue. Then, pick a high-quality antivirus for your system and scan your computer for malware.
Restore Your Web Browser’s Default Settings
Note: This step varies depending on your web browser, so pick the most appropriate option:
- Restore Your Web Browser’s Default Settings on Chromium (Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge).
- Restore Your Web Browser’s Default Settings on Firefox.
Restore Your Web Browser’s Default Settings on Chromium
- Click the Menu button in the top right corner of your screen and click Settings > Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original values. You’ll be asked to confirm your selection. Click Reset or Reset settings (depending on which web browser you’re using).
- This will completely restore your web browser to its default settings. Next, install an antivirus to scan your computer.
Restore Your Web Browser’s Default Settings on Firefox
- Click the 3 horizontal dashes in the top right corner of your screen and click Help.
- Click More troubleshooting information.
- Click Refresh Firefox…
- In the pop-up, click Refresh Firefox.
- This will completely restore your web browser to its default settings. Next, install an antivirus to scan your computer.
Step 1. Identify the Windows Defender Security Warning Virus With Your Antivirus (And Don’t Make the Problem Worse!)
Install an antivirus program and run a full system scan of your computer (Norton is best). A reliable antivirus program will identify and remove any malware causing the Windows Defender security warning to appear. It’ll also find any other malware compromising your system and remove it.
Even if you already suspect which file on your computer is malware and see it appear in the infected file list, make sure to run the full disk scan until it’s finished. Don’t cancel the scan, because you may have other malware on your computer that you don’t know about. The scan can take up to 4 hours to complete, so it’s a good idea to schedule it for when you don’t plan on using your computer.
The full system scan will check every file on your computer and move any suspicious files it finds to a secure quarantine folder. You will automatically be taken to the secure quarantine folder when the malware scan is finished. When this happens, you can proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Remove the Windows Defender Security Warning Virus and Delete Any Other Infected Files
In your secure quarantine folder, you’ll find all of the files your antivirus scanner marked as suspicious. You need to go through each of these files carefully because sometimes antiviruses incorrectly identify safe files as dangerous. These are called false positives. If you trust a file in the list, you can whitelist it. However, if you’re not sure, send a screenshot of your quarantine folder to your antivirus provider’s customer support team, and they’ll be able to identify which files you should keep or delete.
After removing every malware file, you need to restart your computer. Doing this ensures that any malware running in the background of your machine is terminated. Once your computer has restarted, run the full disk scan again. The second full disk scan is usually faster when using a high-quality antivirus like Norton, as it can recognize which files have been scanned previously.
If the quarantine list is empty after the second scan, you can safely move on to Step 3. However, if you still see malware in the quarantine folder, repeat this step until you can no longer see malware, and then move on to Step 3.
Step 3. Protect Your PC From Future Threats
Having dealt with the deceptive “Windows Defender Security Warning” virus, it’s vital to keep your computer safe from similar threats moving forward. Here’s what you can do to protect your system.
- Keep Windows and All Software Updated: Regularly updating Windows and your apps is key to securing your PC. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems. By enabling automatic updates and manually checking for patches, you can close security gaps that viruses like the “Windows Defender Security Warning” exploit.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links or Pop-Ups: Fake warnings often appear as pop-ups or suspicious links. It’s crucial to be cautious and avoid clicking on anything that seems off. If you encounter a warning claiming to be from Windows Defender, cross-check it by visiting the official Microsoft website or contacting its support team directly.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi and Connected Devices: Use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized access. Tools like a good password manager can help create and store complex passwords. When using public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN (like ExpressVPN) to keep your browsing data private and secure from prying eyes.
- Install a Reliable Antivirus Program: A dependable antivirus program is essential for preventing threats like the “Windows Defender Security Warning” virus. Opt for antivirus software that provides real-time protection, phishing defense, and automatic updates. Norton 360 is a great choice, offering comprehensive features such as a firewall, password manager, and dark web monitoring.
- Stay Educated on Common Cyber Threats: Keeping yourself informed about the latest cyber threats and scams can help you avoid falling victim to them. Regularly read up on cybersecurity news and tips and consider subscribing to a service that alerts you to emerging threats.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
3 Best Antivirus Programs for Removing the Windows Defender Security Warning Virus
Quick summary of the best antiviruses for removing the Windows Defender Security Warning virus:
- 🥇 1. Norton — Best antivirus to remove the fake Windows Defender Security Warning.
- 🥈 2. Bitdefender — Excellent lightweight scanner can remove all kinds of threats.
- 🥉 3. TotalAV — Easy-to-use antivirus, great for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows Defender security warning real?
In most cases, the Windows Defender security warning isn’t real. For instance, the warning’s not real if you’re receiving it through your web browser. You should download an antivirus program and scan your computer if you see the warning. Even if the warning is genuine, Windows Defender isn’t good enough to protect you in 2024 anyway.
What do I do if I get a Windows Defender security warning?
If you see the Windows Defender security warning, you should download an antivirus program and run a malware scan of your computer. The above steps show you how to do this. While Windows Defender is a real antivirus, it can’t be fully relied on to protect your devices in 2024.
How to get rid of Windows Defender security warning?
The best way to get rid of the Windows Defender security warning is to scan your computer using a comprehensive antivirus program like Norton. You can follow the above steps to learn how to do this.
