Windows Security Disabled By Your Systems Administrator?

Windows Security Disabled By Your Systems Administrator?

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.

What Is Windows Security?

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:

• Virus and threat protection: This feature provides information and access to anti-virus ransomware protection settings and notifications. These include sign-in to Microsoft OneDrive, and the controlled folder access feature of Windows Defender Exploit Guard.
• Account protection: This feature makes it easier to protect your identity when signing in to Windows with the new account protection pillar in Windows Security. The account protection feature may require password users to set up a PIN for faster sign-in or Windows Hello Face, fingerprint sign-ins for secure access. If you are using Dynamic lock, this feature will notify you when the lock has stopped working because your phone or device’s Bluetooth is off.
• Firewall and network protection: Have information and access to firewall settings such as Windows Defender Firewall.
• App and browser control: Provides exploit protection mitigation and Windows Defender Smart Screen settings.
• Device security: Provide access to built-in device security settings
• Device and performance and health: Includes information on storage space, drivers, and general Windows Update issues.
• Family options: Provides access to parental control settings and tips for keeping minors safe online.

Why the Systems Admin Has Disabled Your Windows Security

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.

Why Am I Receiving an Error on My Home Computer?

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.

How to Enable Disabled Windows Security?

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:

• Account Protection
• Virus and Threat Protection
• Firewall and Network Protection
• Device Security
• Family Options
• Device Performance And Health
• App and Browser Protections
• Notifications
• Systray

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.

Why You Should Seek Professional Help to Fortify Your Windows 10 Environments

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:

• Patch installation and upgrade: It is crucial to regularly install patches to guarantee reliable protection of your Windows investment. At Radius Executive IT Solutions, we will upgrade firewalls every week to improve your IT protection against cyber threats.
• Cloud anti-virus software: We will also install cloud anti-virus software on your windows computers and regularly monitor and test your local backups to ensure 24/7 protection. Our experts can also manage anti-virus solutions, perimeter security tools, and other threat management systems.
• 24x7x365 monitoring: We provide advanced round-the-clock monitoring for early threat detection and mitigation. We will analyze your security environment, detect anomalies, apply security intelligence and generate real-time and actionable analytics.
• Vulnerability assessments: Our experienced IT security professionals will assess your network for weaknesses and find and fix vulnerabilities before cybercriminals take advantage.

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.