If you have encountered the “PC Status at Risk” error on your Windows 11 computer, it can be worrying. This message usually indicates that your system needs attention to maintain security and performance.
Fortunately, fixing this issue is often straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills. With some basic steps, you can restore your PC’s health and keep it running smoothly.
This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve the “PC Status at Risk” error. Each method is explained clearly, so you can follow along with ease.
By the end of this article, you will understand how to address the problem and prevent it from recurring in the future.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often fix known bugs and improve security.
- Check that your antivirus software is active and updated.
- Have a stable internet connection, as some fixes require downloading updates or tools.
- Back up important files to avoid data loss during troubleshooting.
Step 1: Run Windows Security Scan
Windows Security is built into Windows 11 and helps protect your PC from threats. Running a full scan can detect and remove malware or other issues causing the error.
- Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
- Go to Privacy & security on the left panel.
- Click on Windows Security, then select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Current threats, click Scan options.
- Select Full scan and click Scan now.
- Wait for the scan to complete. If threats are found, follow the prompts to remove them.
This step is important because malware or viruses can cause system warnings and reduce PC performance.
Step 2: Check and Update Windows 11
Running the latest version of Windows ensures you have all security patches and bug fixes. An outdated system may trigger the “PC Status at Risk” message.
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
- Click Check for updates.
- If updates are available, click Download & install.
- Restart your PC if prompted.
Keeping your system updated protects you from vulnerabilities and improves stability.
Step 3: Review and Reset Windows Security Settings
Sometimes the “PC Status at Risk” error appears due to misconfigured security settings. Resetting these to default can help.
- Open Settings and go to Privacy & security.
- Click Windows Security, then select Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & threat protection, then click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
- Make sure all real-time protection options are turned on.
- If any are off, toggle them on. If they won’t turn on, click on Restore settings or reset Windows Security through the Microsoft Store.
Real-time protection is essential to detect and block threats as they occur.
Step 4: Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools
Corrupted system files can cause errors and warnings. Windows includes tools to repair these files.
- Press Windows + S and type
cmd. - Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- In the command window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - Wait until the scan finishes. It will automatically repair problems it finds.
- Next, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - After completion, restart your PC.
These tools help fix corrupted files that may cause system instability or errors.
Step 5: Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus
Sometimes, third-party antivirus programs can conflict with Windows Security and cause the “PC Status at Risk” message.
- Locate your antivirus icon in the system tray at the bottom right.
- Right-click the icon and look for an option like Pause protection or Disable.
- Temporarily disable the antivirus for 15 minutes.
- Check if the “PC Status at Risk” error disappears.
- If the error clears, consider updating or reinstalling your antivirus software.
Disabling antivirus software should be done carefully and only temporarily to avoid exposure to threats.
Alternative Method: Create a New User Account
If the problem persists, it might be related to your user profile. Creating a new user account can help isolate the issue.
- Open Settings and go to Accounts.
- Click Family & other users.
- Select Add account under Other users.
- Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
- Log out and sign in with the new account.
- Check if the error still appears.
This can help determine if the problem is tied to your current user profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “PC Status at Risk” mean on Windows 11?
This warning indicates that Windows Security has detected issues that may affect your PC’s protection, such as outdated virus definitions, disabled security features, or malware.
Is it safe to ignore the “PC Status at Risk” message?
No, ignoring this message can leave your computer vulnerable to security threats or performance problems. It’s best to address the warning promptly.
Can third-party antivirus software cause this error?
Yes, some antivirus programs can interfere with Windows Security or cause false alerts. Temporarily disabling or updating your antivirus may resolve the issue.
Do I need technical skills to fix this error?
Most solutions are simple and designed for regular users. Following the steps carefully should be enough, but advanced tools like SFC and DISM require running commands in Command Prompt.
Will these fixes erase my files?
No, these troubleshooting steps do not delete your personal files. However, it’s always a good idea to back up important data before making changes.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above solutions and the “PC Status at Risk” error persists, consider the following options:
- Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for personalized help.
- Perform a System Restore: Roll back your system to a previous restore point when your PC was working fine.
- Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 11 while keeping your files or performing a clean installation.
These options may require more technical knowledge or professional assistance.
Conclusion
Fixing the “PC Status at Risk” error on Windows 11 is usually a matter of ensuring your system is updated and secure. Running scans, checking security settings, and repairing system files often resolve the problem quickly.
Remember to keep your antivirus active and Windows updated to prevent future issues. If advanced steps are needed, tools like SFC and DISM can restore system health without data loss.
By following this guide, you can confidently address the warning and maintain your PC’s protection and performance.