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Windows 11 Windows Defender Firewall stuck on Starting/Stopping

Donovan Kelly 5 Reputation points
2025-10-20T18:33:43.41+00:00

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Hey there I've been having a really annoying problem with Windows Defender Firewall. I didn't notice when it happened but I got a notification today that my firewall was off. When I attempt to "use recommended settings" I get the following error.

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I have already researched this issue extensively and have tried most of the solutions I have found online including a system restore to my only available restore point. The one thing I've found that I can't potentially solve is that my Windows Defender Firewall Authorization Driver seems to be missing in devices? That is unless I am looking in the wrong spot.

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Please help :(

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Microsoft Defender for Identity
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  1. Prathista Ilango 745 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2025-11-20T16:52:33.4933333+00:00

    Hello Donovan Kelly,

    The driver you mentioned is a system file. Also, do you or did you have any 3rd party AV installed? There had been scenarios that this happens when 3rd party AV was installed and then removed.

    Try running sfc /scannow a couple of times and/or reset the firewall using netsh commands. Refer to: netsh advfirewall | Microsoft Learn

    If this doesn't help, you might have to reinstall OS (usually this works) or try reaching out to support from here: Contact - Microsoft Support

    Hope this helps!

    If you found the information above helpful, please Click Yes. This will assist others in the community who encounter a similar issue, enabling them to quickly find the solution and benefit from the guidance provided.

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