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How to Fix Tamper Protection Not Working on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Tamper Protection is an important security feature in Windows 11 that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your security settings. Sometimes, this feature might stop working properly, leaving your system vulnerable. Fixing this issue ensures your device stays protected against malware and unwanted changes.

This guide will walk you through simple and clear troubleshooting steps to get Tamper Protection working again. Each step is explained in detail to help even beginners follow along easily.

By following these steps, you can restore the security of your Windows 11 device quickly and confidently. Let’s start by understanding some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Read on carefully, as some steps require admin access and a bit of patience.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Ensure you have administrator rights: You need to be logged in as an administrator to change security settings on Windows 11.
  • Check your Windows version: Tamper Protection is available in Windows Defender on Windows 11 Pro, Home, and Enterprise editions. Make sure your system is updated.
  • Verify Windows Security app is working: Open the Windows Security app and check if it runs without errors.
  • Disable other antivirus software temporarily: Sometimes, third-party antivirus apps can interfere with Tamper Protection.

Step 1: Turn Tamper Protection Off and On Again

Sometimes, simply toggling the feature can resolve glitches. Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
  3. Click on Open Windows Security.
  4. In the Windows Security window, select Virus & Threat Protection.
  5. Scroll down and click on Manage Settings under Virus & Threat Protection Settings.
  6. Find Tamper Protection and toggle it Off.
  7. Wait about 10 seconds, then toggle it On again.

Why this helps: Turning Tamper Protection off and on refreshes the system’s security settings and can clear minor software glitches.

Step 2: Restart Your Computer

After toggling Tamper Protection, restart your PC. This step ensures changes take effect properly.

  • Click the Start button.
  • Select Power > Restart.

Restarting is important because Windows applies many security-related changes only after a reboot.

Step 3: Run Windows Update

Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve security features like Tamper Protection. Keeping Windows updated is crucial.

  1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
  2. Go to Windows Update in the left pane.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Download and install any available updates.
  5. Restart your computer if prompted.

Why update: Updates may contain important fixes that resolve problems with Tamper Protection.

Step 4: Use Windows Security Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix common issues with security features.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Security or Security and Maintenance troubleshooter.
  4. Click Run next to it and follow on-screen instructions.

This tool will automatically detect if Tamper Protection is disabled due to common errors and attempt to fix it.

Step 5: Check Group Policy Settings (For Windows Pro and Enterprise)

If you are using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy may be controlling Tamper Protection. Incorrect settings can disable it.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Tamper Protection
  4. Double-click on the Configure Tamper Protection policy.
  5. If it is set to Disabled, change it to Not Configured or Enabled.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Restart your PC.

Why check Group Policy: Sometimes system administrators or software can change these settings, preventing Tamper Protection from working.

Step 6: Verify Tamper Protection Status Using PowerShell

You can use PowerShell to check if Tamper Protection is enabled and to enable it if necessary.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Copy and paste the following command to check Tamper Protection status:
Get-MpComputerStatus | Select-Object -Property AMTamperProtectionEnabled

If the result is False, Tamper Protection is off.

  1. To enable Tamper Protection, run:
Set-MpPreference -EnableTamperProtection $true

Note: This command may require a restart to take effect.

Step 7: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily

Third-party antivirus programs may conflict with Windows Defender features, including Tamper Protection.

  • Open the antivirus app installed on your PC.
  • Look for an option to disable protection temporarily.
  • Turn it off and then try enabling Tamper Protection again through Windows Security.

If Tamper Protection works after disabling the third-party antivirus, consider configuring exceptions or using Windows Defender exclusively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Tamper Protection be turned on if I use another antivirus program?

Windows typically disables some Defender features, including Tamper Protection, when third-party antivirus software is installed. You may need to disable or uninstall the other antivirus to enable it.

Why does Windows say Tamper Protection is managed by my organization?

This message usually appears if your PC is connected to a workplace domain or Group Policy settings prevent changes. You may need to contact your system administrator for assistance.

Is Tamper Protection necessary for my PC’s security?

Yes. Tamper Protection prevents malware and unauthorized users from changing critical security settings, keeping your device safer.

Can I enable Tamper Protection using Registry Editor?

Yes, but it is more complex and riskier. Editing the registry incorrectly can harm your system. Use Group Policy or PowerShell methods first.

What Windows versions support Tamper Protection?

Windows 10 (from version 1903) and Windows 11 support Tamper Protection in Windows Defender Antivirus.

When Nothing Works

If none of the steps above restore Tamper Protection, consider these options:

  • Run a full system scan: Malware can disable security features. Use Windows Defender or another trusted scanner.
  • Reset Windows Security app: You can reset the app via Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Windows Security > Advanced Options > Reset.
  • Use System Restore: If Tamper Protection stopped working recently, restoring your system to an earlier point may help.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for professional help.
  • Reinstall Windows 11: As a last resort, reinstalling Windows can fix corrupted system files affecting security features.

Conclusion

Tamper Protection is a vital part of Windows 11’s security system. When it stops working, your device can become vulnerable. Starting with simple fixes like toggling the feature and updating Windows can often solve the problem.

If the issue persists, using tools like the Windows troubleshooter, checking Group Policy, or running PowerShell commands can help restore Tamper Protection. Remember to always keep your system updated and be cautious with third-party antivirus software.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure your Windows 11 device stays safe and secure from unauthorized changes.

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