The antivirus switches from all-white to a red circle containing a white X overlaying the lower right quadrant of the shield. The next question is: what does this new icon mean? For the time being, no one can answer this question, the red circle with the white X overlay is as mysterious as the Bermuda triangle. The good news is that Windows Defender appears to be up and running. All the status indicators are normal: the antivirus indicates the PC is being monitored and protected, real-time protection is on, and the virus and spyware definitions are up to date. Quick Tip: While Windows Defender is great antivirus software, completely integrated into Windows, it is not the best one there is. There are better options on the market. We suggest installing a third-party security tool that is specialized in protecting your system from the newest harmful software, phishing attacks, and data theft.

The Windows Defender shield overlay puzzles users

One user stated the following: All the Insiders who joined the conversation on a forum thread have confirmed they have never seen this overlay before. Some even said the overlay is certainly an interesting anomaly. However, we wouldn’t haste to say that, taking into account that Windows Defender appears to be running normally. Perhaps, this Windows Defender firewall red x is a new part of the overlay that Microsoft forgot to introduce.

How do I get rid of the Windows Defender overlay problem?

1. Restart Windows Defender

If this strange Windows Defender shield overlay really annoys you, simply turn off the antivirus and then turn it back on. According to users’ reports, this simple action makes the mysterious overlay disappear.

2. Run a System Scan

Running a System Scan will solve most system problems, and seeing as the Windows Defender is integrated into the system, it should solve the Windows Defender shield red cross problem.

3. Run a DISM scan

4. Restart your device

This might be just a visual bug, due to some conflicting software. If your Windows Defender is actually running fine even if the icon is different, you should be safe. Restarting your device might solve this issue, although it’s not guaranteed. Most likely, this is a problem from Microsoft’s end and it will fix itself in time. This concludes our article. We gave you an overview of this strange behaviour from Windows Defender. Have a look at this thorough list of the best antivirus software with a lifetime license and choose one to protect you from any dangerous software. If you know what this Windows Defender icon overlay means, you can tell us more about it in the comment section below.

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