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How to Fix Real-Time Protection Not Working in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Real-Time Protection is a crucial feature in Windows 11 that helps keep your computer safe from viruses and malware by scanning files and programs as they are accessed. Sometimes, this important feature may stop working, leaving your system vulnerable. Don’t worry — fixing it can be straightforward with the right steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed instructions to get Real-Time Protection back up and running. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

Before diving into complex fixes, it’s important to check a few basic things. This will save time and help identify if the problem has an easy solution.

Let’s start by understanding what you can quickly verify before doing any technical troubleshooting.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Ensure Windows Defender Antivirus is enabled: Real-Time Protection is part of Windows Defender, so the antivirus must be active.
  • Check for conflicting antivirus software: Having another antivirus installed can disable Windows Defender automatically.
  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date: Updates often include fixes for security features.
  • Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can restore Real-Time Protection.

Step 1: Verify Real-Time Protection Settings

The first and easiest step is to confirm that Real-Time Protection is turned on in the Windows Security settings.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Privacy & Security on the left menu.
  3. Click Windows Security, then select Virus & threat protection.
  4. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
  5. Make sure the toggle for Real-time protection is set to On.

Why this is important: If Real-Time Protection is turned off here, your system won’t scan files in real time, increasing risk of infection.

Step 2: Check for Conflicting Antivirus Software

Sometimes, another antivirus program can disable Windows Defender automatically. To ensure this isn’t causing the problem:

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Look for any third-party antivirus software like Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc.
  3. If you find any, consider disabling them temporarily or uninstalling if you want to use Windows Defender exclusively.

Why this matters: Windows Defender disables its Real-Time Protection if it detects other antivirus programs to avoid conflicts.

Step 3: Run Windows Update

Keeping your Windows 11 system updated is essential because updates often fix bugs and security issues.

  1. Click Start > Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your computer if prompted.

Why update: Outdated software can cause features like Real-Time Protection to malfunction.

Step 4: Restart Windows Security Services

Sometimes, the service responsible for Real-Time Protection may stop working properly. Restarting it can help.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Scroll down to find Windows Defender Antivirus Service or Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service.
  4. Right-click on it and select Restart. If the option is grayed out, choose Start.

Why this helps: Restarting the service refreshes its operation and may resolve temporary glitches.

Step 5: Run a System File Checker Scan

Corrupted system files can prevent Real-Time Protection from working. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can repair these files.

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This process may take several minutes. Wait until it finishes and follow any instructions provided.

Why this is necessary: Fixing corrupted files can restore the functionality of Windows Defender components.

Step 6: Use Group Policy Editor to Enable Real-Time Protection

If Real-Time Protection is disabled via system policies, you can manually re-enable it using the Group Policy Editor (available in Windows 11 Pro and above).

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection.
  3. Double-click Turn off real-time protection.
  4. Select Disabled or Not Configured, then click Apply and OK.
  5. Restart your computer.

Why use this: Group Policy can override settings, so this step ensures no policies disable Real-Time Protection.

Step 7: Use Registry Editor as an Advanced Option

If Group Policy Editor is not available or the problem persists, the Windows Registry may need adjustment. Be cautious with this step.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender
  3. Look for a value named DisableRealtimeMonitoring.
  4. If it exists and is set to 1, right-click and delete it or change the value to 0.
  5. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Why this works: The registry value can disable Real-Time Protection; removing it re-enables the feature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Real-Time Protection turning off automatically?

This usually happens if you have another antivirus installed, system policies disable it, or due to corrupted system files.

Can I use another antivirus with Windows Defender?

Yes, but Windows Defender’s Real-Time Protection will disable automatically to prevent conflicts. You can enable both if the other antivirus supports it, but it’s generally not recommended.

Is it safe to disable Real-Time Protection temporarily?

It is not recommended unless you are installing trusted software or troubleshooting. Leaving it off increases your risk of infection.

How do I know if Real-Time Protection is working?

You can check the status in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. It should say “Real-time protection is on.”

What if my Windows 11 does not have Group Policy Editor?

Group Policy Editor is available only on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Home users can try the Registry Editor method or upgrade Windows.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods fix the problem, consider the following final options:

  • Run a full system scan with a trusted third-party antivirus to rule out infections.
  • Create a new user account to check if the issue is profile-specific.
  • Use the Windows Security Troubleshooter by searching for “Troubleshoot settings” in the Start menu and selecting Additional troubleshooters.
  • Perform a system restore to a point where Real-Time Protection was working.
  • Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Windows Defender support page: Microsoft Defender Antivirus Support.

Conclusion

Real-Time Protection is vital for keeping your Windows 11 PC safe from malware threats. When it stops working, it’s important to act quickly. Start with simple checks like confirming settings and disabling conflicting antivirus software.

Updating Windows and restarting security services often resolve many issues. For more complex problems, using Group Policy or Registry Editor can help re-enable the feature. Always proceed carefully with advanced methods.

If nothing works, don’t hesitate to use Microsoft’s support resources or perform system restores to maintain your PC’s security. Following this guide step-by-step will help you restore Real-Time Protection and keep your system protected.

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