PSA: Windows is Reporting Fake "Defender Antivirus Turned Off" Warnings

After installing the latest Defender Antivirus update for Windows 11, users have started reporting that their operating system is sending notifications stating "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off." Despite the Defender Antivirus protection working correctly, Windows has been pushing these notifications to users, with many of the TechPowerUp staff experiencing the error themselves. These notifications typically appear when the operating system is freshly booted up or immediately afterward. Interestingly, Defender Antivirus can send out notifications even when notification settings are turned off, and all versions of Windows or Windows Server are affected. Microsoft acknowledged the issue, stating:

MicrosoftWe are working to release a resolution in a future Microsoft Defender Antivirus update and will provide more information when it is available.

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