Windows bug incorrectly tells users that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off
Summary
A Windows bug is incorrectly telling users that Microsoft Defender Antivirus (the built-in security software that protects Windows computers) is turned off when it's actually working properly, affecting multiple Windows versions. Security experts are concerned this will train users to ignore genuine security alerts, making them vulnerable to attacks like ransomware (malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment).
Solution / Mitigation
Microsoft stated: 'We are working to release a resolution in a future Microsoft Defender Antivirus update and will provide more information when it is available.' The source does not specify a version number or timeline for the fix.
Classification
Original source: https://www.csoonline.com/article/4216607/windows-bug-incorrectly-tells-users-that-microsoft-defender-antivirus-is-turned-off-2.html
First tracked: August 31, 2026 at 08:01 PM
Classified by LLM (prompt v3) · confidence: 95%