Windows 11 bug breaks Windows Security app, but there’s a fix

A bug that appears to be quite widespread is causing Windows Security to show error message “You’ll need a new app to this windowsdefender link” in the preview builds of Windows 11.

Windows 11’s early preview is currently available to testers in the Windows Insider Program, and users are encountering various issues and bugs with the designed desktop OS.

According to user reports, Microsoft recently released a faulty update and it appears to be causing some serious problems with Windows Security app which is used for managing Windows Defender and other security features. Luckily, there’s a simple fix here. Since “Windows Security” is a system app, it can be repaired using PowerShell.

Windows 11 Build 22000.160 or older is causing Windows Security to show error messages saying “You’ll need a new app to this windowsdefender link”. While users can still view antivirus, firewall, and protection status, some can no longer open different protection features like account protection, firewall & network protection, apps & browser control, etc.

“I am unable to open Windows Security on Build 22000. Attempting to do so displays a message prompting me to look in the Store to find an app,” one user wrote in the Feedback Hub.

“Any click on any of the items presented under “Protection Areas” prompts the appearance of this message: “You´ll need a new app to open this windowsdefender link”, plus the option to “Look for an app in the Microsoft Store”,” another user explained the problem in the Feedback Hub.

Fix “You’ll need a new app to this windowsdefender link” in Windows 11

To fix “windowsdefender link” error in Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Windows PowerShell from search or Start Menu with administrator privilege.
2. Copy and paste Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage
3. Close PowerShell window.

Once done, you’ll be able to launch Windows Security app again.