How to fix
Windows Security shows blank screen
on Windows

My Windows security is not working properly and instead, I see a blank screen. Is there anything I can do to make it normal again? Does my Windows Security even work or can I get infected with viruses? Please advise.

Windows plays a crucial role in safeguarding your computer against various threats such as viruses, malware, and unauthorized access. It acts as a primary line of defense, offering real-time protection and ensuring the overall health and security of your system.

While this built-in component is extremely important for every user, it does not always function as intended. One of the issues that some people encounter on Windows 10 and 11 is when Windows Security shows blank or empty screen. This prevents them from accessing any of the antivirus settings; in some cases, it might be an indication that the app is completely non-functional.

Windows Security showing blank screen is something that could be attributed to several factors. One possible cause could be system file corruption - these files are essential for the security app to work properly. System file corruption can be a result of conflicts, incomplete updates, or system malfunctions. Additionally, issues within the Windows Security application itself, such as bugs or glitches, can also lead to this problem.

To mitigate this issue, you may consider creating a new user profile on your computer. A new profile can sometimes bypass the problems associated with your current profile, potentially resolving the blank screen issue. Another approach involves repairing any corrupted system files, which can be done through specific system repair processes. Additionally, repairing the Windows Security application itself can be effective.

Finally, if you find these steps overwhelming or if they do not resolve an empty Windows Security screen, you might consider using a PC repair tool, such as [d1]. This type of software is designed to automatically diagnose and fix underlying Windows issues, offering a straightforward solution to problems like the Windows Security blank screen.

Fix 1. Use Clean Boot

Clean Boot helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update, or when you run a program in Windows. It is noteworthy that it is often a third-party security software that's interfering with Microsoft Defender.

• Type msconfig in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Go to the Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
• Select Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Here, right-click on each of the non-Windows entries and select Disable.
• Close down the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab and tick the Safe boot option.
• Restart your computer.
• Test to see if Windows Security is functional. If it is, one of the disabled items was causing the issue.
• To identify the problematic service or program, re-enable services and startup items one at a time or in small groups.
• After each change, restart your computer to check if the issue is not present.

Fix 2. Install all Windows updates

Windows updates often include patches for security issues, improvements, and bug fixes that can resolve existing problems.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click Check for updates.
• Wait till Windows downloads and installs all the files.
• If optional updates are available, install them as well.
• Reboot your device.

Fix 3. Repair damaged or corrupted files via Command Prompt

SFC and DISM can scan for and repair corrupt system files. To do this, you will have to launch Command Prompt as administrator. Here's how:

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control window will show up - click Yes when prompted.
• Then, copy and paste the following command, pressing Enter after:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait till the scan is finished. If Windows finds system file integrity violations, it will attempt to fix them. After this, use the set of the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  
• (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• Close down the Command Prompt and restart your device.

Fix 4. Reset the Windows Security app

If the Windows Security app itself is corrupted, resetting it can resolve the issue.

• Type Windows Security in Windows search.
• Right-click on the search result and pick App settings.
• Click Terminate and then click Reset.
• Wait till the process is finished and restart your PC.

Fix 5. Create a new user account

A corrupted user profile can result in all kinds of issues, so try creating a new one and see if the problem persists.

• Open Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
• Navigate to Accounts, then select Family & other users.
• Under Other users, click on Add someone else to this PC.
• If you do not want to use a Microsoft account, choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Fill in the required fields for the username, password, and password hint.
• Click Next and then Finish.
• Sign out of your current account and sign into the new account to check if the notification icon appears on the taskbar.

Fix 6. Change the SecurityHealthService Registry value

Please create a restore point or back up your registry before proceeding.

• Type regedit in Windows search and press Enter.
• When UAC shows up, click Yes.
• Navigate to the following location:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SecurityHealthService
• On the right side, double-click on the Start entry.
• Change the value to 3 and then click OK.
• Restart your computer.

Fix 7. Re-register all apps

Re-registering all apps can fix issues caused by corrupted or improperly registered applications, including Windows Security.

• Type PowerShell in Windows search.
• Right-click on the result and select Run as administrator.
• When UAC shows up, click Yes.
• Copy and paste the following command, pressing Enter after each:
  Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• Close down PowerShell and restart your system.

Fix 8. Reset Windows

If none of the above solutions work, resetting Windows can resolve underlying issues by reinstalling Windows while keeping your personal files.

• Right-click on Start and then select Settings.
• Go to Update & Security and pick Recovery on the left side of the window.
• Find Reset this PC section and click Get Started.
• Select Keep my files and Cloud download.
• Next, pick whether you want to reinstall the apps.
• Click Reset.
• Your system will restart, and the process of Windows reset will begin.