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Have you received an error message saying, “cannot open this app, your IT administrator has disabled Windows Security. Contact your IT help desk” when trying to access your Windows Security? Well, your IT administrator has likely disabled the Windows Security app, or there are other changes made to Windows security policies. This is one of the alarming and frustrating issues you could face with your Windows Operating system. This blog explores the reasons why your system admin disables Windows Security and your available options to resolve this.
Windows Security app is a client interface on Windows 10 that makes it easier to view and control the security protection features you choose. It also enables a better understanding of all the security features already protecting your Windows 10 device. Windows security offers seven areas that protect your device while allowing you to specify how you want your device protected. These include:
Notably, the error notification message may appear as soon as you launch Windows Security and briefly show the Windows app before being replaced by a small window asking you to contact your IT admin.
Some of the reasons why IT administrators disable Windows security is to make sure legacy applications or older software programs can run optimally. However, it is highly recommended not to disable the Windows Security app, as doing so significantly lowers the protection of your device. Lower protection exposes your Windows environment to malware infection and other threats. Essentially, admins who disable Windows Security to improve system performance clearly don’t understand the importance of securing the Windows computer or trust Windows Security.
The strange thing is that the error message can also appear on your Windows 10 device, where you are the only admin. So what causes this error?
Well, after the Fall Creators Update, Microsoft enhanced Window Defender to guarantee better security of your Windows computer. Due to some changes, Windows Defender may stop working, altering your Windows Security policy settings and blocking your access to the Windows Security app. If this happens, you will see a message that Windows Security is disabled and is currently managed by your system administrator. Disabling your windows security makes your windows computer unprotected, meaning you have to take urgent action to resolve the issue.
If you face this issue, log into your admin account and use one of these methods to fix it.
Group policy method
Type gpedit.msc in the Run prompt (Win + R) to open Group Policy Editor. Then navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security. You will be provided with several policies for Windows Security that you must change to enable back access. These include:
Open each of these folders and double-click to access the policies contained inside. Change everything from Not Configured to Disabled. Don’t change any policy under the Enterprise Customization category unless it is explicitly applied to your computer. Once you have enabled all of them, you will access all the Windows Security Settings without an issue.
Create an admin account
If you are a Windows 10 home user, it means you won’t have access to Group Policy. If the computer restricts you from accessing the group policy or any other feature, create an admin account on your computer and leverage it to change the settings.
Windows Security undoubtedly provides remarkable protection of your systems and networks. It includes virus and threat protection, account protection, and some decent cyber security protection. However, as cyber threats get more sophisticated, Windows Security is showing some serious weaknesses in terms of online security, multi-device protection, poor-quality updates, and malware protection. For better security of your Windows computer, it is advisable to partner with a great managed IT security provider who understands the new threats facing companies and businesses in New England.
At Radius Executive IT Solutions, we will ensure you have the right security processes and policies in place to never have to worry about having disabled security on your Windows system. Our experts leverage elite cyber threat detection strategies with top-notch security solutions to protect your Windows devices and data around the clock to ensure your investment is meeting compliance regulations. Some of the managed IT security solutions that we offer include:
Radius Executive IT Solutions Managed IT Security & Monitoring gives you peace of mind, knowing experienced professionals are proactively monitoring your network to ensure reliable protection. Our goal is to build a robust security foundation that guarantees your Windows environment is well protected even when your Windows Security app is disabled by your systems admin. Contact us today to learn more.
