1. Remove Work or School Account (if applicable)
Caution: Removing your work or school account will disable access to any resources, applications, or files associated with that account, and may potentially affect email and cloud services linked to the account. Ensure you understand these implications before proceeding. When you have a work or school account connected to your computer, certain group policies and restrictions set by your organization can limit access to system features. These policies override your personal settings and cause the error. By removing the work or school account, you eliminate the link between your computer and the organizational policies.
2. Check and Modify Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise versions)
Note: The Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) is only available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you are using Windows Home edition, this method will not be applicable as you do not have access to the Group Policy Editor. In such cases, you may need to explore alternative methods or consider upgrading your Windows version if Group Policy management is essential for your needs. Organizations often use group policies to apply restrictions across multiple systems. Users may not be able to access security settings if their device was previously part of a managed environment or if certain policies were applied accidentally. Modifying these policies will allow you to regain control over your Windows Defender and other Windows Security features.
3. Delete Restrictive Registry Entries (For Expert Users Only)
Warning: Editing the Windows Registry is risky and can cause system instability or data loss if done incorrectly. It is highly recommended to back up your registry or create a system restore point before proceeding. Group policies or settings from past organizational management can be enforced through these registry entries, which may limit your access to certain areas of Windows Security. By deleting specific entries related to Windows Security policies, you can reset these restrictions. However, be cautious of the broader impact these deletions may have. Always ensure you understand the purpose of each registry key you plan to delete. If unsure, research or consult with a professional. Note: Before proceeding with this method, back up your registry as a precaution. To do so, open the registry editor, select File, then Export and save it anywhere you choose.
4. Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software
Third-party antivirus programs typically take control of your Windows Security to prevent conflicts between the two systems, which can lead to restricted access to certain areas of Windows Security. By uninstalling these third-party programs, you allow Windows Defender and other security features to regain control, thus fixing the issue.
