Windows Security not Opening in Windows 10: Fix & Causes

You can try to scan and fix errors using some quick DISM commands

by Andrew Wafer
Andrew Wafer
Andrew Wafer
Author
Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he's truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge... read more
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Reviewed by Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Editor-in-Chief
Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • The Windows security won't open and that means you won't have access to processes and operations related to updating and restoration features
  • If Windows Security is not showing anything, start by running the System File Checker tool.
  • Another idea is to perform a system restore if you have any restore points activated for your system.
Windows 10 Update Security tab fix
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Update & Security is a special field integrated by default into the Windows 10 core system. This built-in menu offers access to processes and operations related to updating and restoration features.

Here you can check for your update history or schedule your restart for a specific time and the process is automated so you don’t have to do anything manually.

Shortly, by accessing the Update & Security window you can scan for new updates, apply certain updates, remove recently installed patches, initiate a system recovery operation, and perform similar other processes.

However, sometimes you might notice that Windows Security won’t open. This is quite a common Windows 10 error caused by corrupted system files or by other Windows 10 malfunctions. And speaking of malfunctions, users reported more similar issues.

Why is Update and Security not opening?

The Update and Security tab not opening or working issue has been triggered for several users because of different reasons. Note that sometimes, the issue is that the Windows update closes immediately.

We did our research and have come up with a list of common reasons why the Update and Security tab isn’t working for you:

  • An important system file related to it is corrupt
  • Your PC is infected with a virus or malware
  • There is a bug present in the current version of the Windows OS
  • Your copy of Windows is missing an important file
  • Corrupt Windows Security component
  • Corrupt cache data

Frequent issues associated with the Windows Security tab:

  • Windows 10 update and security closes immediately / Windows Update closes automatically
  • (Ironically) Windows Security not working after the update
  • Windows Security shows a blank screen
  • Also, Windows Update won’t load in Update & Security settings
  • Windows Security not showing anything
  • Windows Update closes immediately
  • Windows Update won’t open in Windows 10
  • Windows Update page not loading in Windows 11
  • Windows Update screen not loading in Windows 10
  • Windows Update not opening

The latest Windows 11 is also not exempt from such issues. Users reported the following cases: Windows Security not responding, not showing anything/blank, or Windows security not opening, and Windows update page not loading windows 11.

Fortunately, there are a few solutions that you can use to fix the Update & Security tab.

How to fix windows security not opening windows 10?

  1. Run the System File Checker tool
  2. Use a dedicated software
  3. Scan and fix errors using DISM commands
  4. Change the Windows account
  5. Perform a system restore

1. Run the System File Checker tool

  1. Type cmd in the Seach box and click on Run as administrator under the Command Prompt app.
  2. Type this command and press Enter: sfc /scannowSfc scannow
  3. Wait until the scan is completed (it might take a while depending on how many files are stored on your computer).
  4. If problems are found the troubleshooter should fix them automatically.
  5. Don’t forget to restart your PC in the end.

2. Use a dedicated software

Corrupted system files, missing program files, and even malware are all factors that contribute to Windows security not opening. For this reason we suggest using a dedicated software that can fix all of this issues can be the best choice.

Fortect will not only fix your files and system issues but also continue to monitor your PC for online privacy and viruses, thus improving the overall system performance.

  1. Download and install Fortect.
  2. Launch the program on your desktop.
  3. You will get a pop-up window, click Yes to start scanning.
  4. Wait 3-5 minutes to complete the system scan.
    Fortect scan process
  5. After you get the scan summary, click on Start Repair to fix the Windows update issues.
    Start Repair option

After using it, don’t be surprised when your PC will become faster and more responsive due to Fortect, as it provides a performance boost, dealing with junk files and registry files issues.

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3. Scan and fix errors using DISM commands

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
  3. Enter the following commands (press Enter after each entry):
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Close the command prompt window.
  5. Restart your PC.

If you want to learn everything there is to know about using DISM commands, check our handy guide.

4. Change the Windows account

  1. Press the Win + I buttons to open the Settings menu.
  2. Then, click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Email & accounts.
  4. Select Add an account.
  5. You will have to pick Sign in without a Microsoft account and Local account.
  6. Fill out the forms and save your changes.
  7. Switch to the newly created account and verify if you can access the Update & Security tab.

The problem might be associated with one particular account. So, it’s recommended to create a new account as afterward, you might be able to access the Windows 10 Update & Security tab again.

5. Perform a system restore

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Create a restore point and open it.Search-for-system-restore-point
  3. Hit the System restore button in the new window that appears.
  4. Select the appropriate option and follow the on-screen prompts.
  5. Your PC will reboot and begin the process.
  6. Once the restore is complete, check if this fixes the issue or not.

If our steps above look too complicated, we also have a complete guide on how to create and use a System Restore Point in Windows 10.

If you are having difficulties opening Settings and Updates, we have your back, check this guide to learn more.

Hopefully, you managed to solve the Windows 10 Update & Security tab not working issue.

Usually, one of the troubleshooting solutions from above is fixing this Windows 10 problem without having to initiate a clean install of the system itself.

However, depending on each situation and how you use your Windows 10 device, the solutions might differ.

How can I fix Windows Security not opening on Windows 11?

Check out some quick solutions that you can apply to fix the Windows Security not opening on Windows 11 issue.

1. Reset Windows Store certification

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command.
  2. Type powershell and hit Enter.
  3. Execute the below command: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage
  4. Restart your PC.

2. Uninstall third-party antivirus software

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select Programs and Features.
  3. Select the antivirus software and hit the Uninstall button at the top.

3. Reset the Windows Security app

  1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
  2. Select Apps.
  3. Then Apps & features.
  4. Search for Windows Security.
  5. Hit the 3-dot icon.
  6. Select Advanced options.
  7. Scroll down and hit the Reset button.
  8. Restart your PC and check if this fixes the issue or not.

How do I reinstall Windows security?

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command.
  2. Type powershell and hit Enter.
  3. Execute the below command: Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  4. Restart your PC.

That’s why, if the issue persists, use the comment section below to describe your situation in detail. Based on the details that you offer, we can try to find more solutions for you.

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