Windows Security is a handy tool on Windows to remove bogus, malicious temporary files from the PC. It has become one of the best free alternatives to expensive third-party anti-virus apps. But the app isn’t perfect. Sometimes, you might run into ‘you will need a new app to open this Windowsdefedner link’ error when using the app. If you frequently face the same, read along to learn to fix the issue.
Before you go ahead and ditch Windows Security for a random third-party app from the web, use the tricks below and enjoy an ideal experience on your PC.
1. Repair Windows Security App
Microsoft offers a handy repair tool to fix app misbehaves on Windows 11. Follow the steps below to repair Windows Security to fix the ‘you will need a new app to open this Windowsdefender link’ error.
Step 1: Open Settings on Windows 11 [use Windows + I keys].
Step 2: Select Apps from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Open the Installed apps menu.
Step 4: Scroll down to Windows Security and select the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Step 5: Select Advanced options.
Step 6: Select Repair.
Once Microsoft runs the repair tool, try using the Windows Security app again.
2. Reset Windows Security
If Windows Security still shows an error, it’s time to reset the app. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open Windows Security advanced menu in Windows Settings [refer to the steps above].
Step 2: Select Reset and confirm your decision.
The option will delete all the app data.
3. Use PowerShell to Register the Windows Security App
This trick worked wonders for Microsoft forum members. We will use Windows PowerShell to register the app again. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for PowerShell. Hit Enter to open the app.
Step 2: Copy and paste the following command one by one and hit Enter.
- Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
- Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$[$_.InstallLocation]\AppXManifest.xml”}
- Set-ExecutionPolicy restricted
Step 3: Once the system runs the command, open the Windows Security app and use it without any error.
4. Uninstall Third-Party Anti-Virus Apps
Running two anti-virus apps on your computer is never a good idea. It may lead to software conflict and errors like ‘you will need a new app to open this Windowsdefedner link’ in Windows Security. You must uninstall the third-party anti-virus app on your computer.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings menu and head to installed apps [refer to the steps above].
Step 2: Find an anti-virus app from the list.
Step 3: Select Uninstall button and confirm your decision.
5. Update Windows
Microsoft doesn’t distribute the Windows Security app from the Microsoft Store on Windows 11. It’s tied with the OS updates, and the company frequently releases new upgrades with bug fixes to keep it up to date.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings menu and select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
Step 2: Download and install the latest Windows update.
If you face any issues with installing the latest Windows update, read our dedicated post to fix the issue.
6. Reset Windows 11
If none of the tricks work to resolve Windows Security issues, you need to reset Windows 11. Before you follow the steps below, you should backup important folders and files on your PC.
Step 1: Go to the Windows Settings menu and select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
Step 2: Open Advanced Options and select Recovery.
Step 3: Click Reset PC and select Keep my files from the following menu.
Enjoy Windows Security on Your Computer
Windows Security is an essential tool, especially for those downloading apps and media from unverified sources on the web. The tool helps you protect from malicious files on the computer. Use the tricks above and troubleshoot errors like ‘you will need a new app to open this Windowsdefedner link’ in no time.