How to Fix Norton Not Opening on Windows

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Norton antivirus software is designed to protect your computer from malware, viruses, and other threats. However, like any other software, Norton can also have problems, such as not opening on your Windows system. This problem can be frustrating, especially if you rely on Norton for constant protection. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to solve this problem. This guide will provide detailed details on how to fix Norton not opening on Windows. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your Norton software works correctly, keeping your computer safe.

Understanding the problem: why Norton won't open

Before knowing the solution, it is important to understand why Norton cannot open. Several factors can be responsible for this problem:

• Software corruption: Files inside the Norton software can become corrupted or missing due to interrupted installation, malware interference, or other reasons.
• Compatibility issues: Changes to the Windows operating system such as updates may affect Norton's compatibility.
• Conflicting Software: Other security programs or software on your PC may conflict with Norton, preventing it from launching.
• Resource Limitation: Insufficient system resources or memory issues may prevent Norton from starting properly.
• Registry Problems: Windows registry problems related to Norton can also interfere with its functioning.

With these potential problems in mind, here's how you can fix Norton when it won't open on your Windows computer:

Solution 1: Restart your computer

Before proceeding with more intensive solutions, start by restarting your computer. A simple restart can solve many software problems by refreshing system processes. Here's how:

1. Close all open programs and files to avoid losing any unsaved work.
2. Click on the Start button.
3. Select Power, then select Restart.

After your computer restarts, try opening Norton again to see if the problem persists.

Solution 2: Check for system updates

Making sure your Windows operating system is up to date can improve software compatibility, including Norton. Here's how to check for and install updates:

1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Select Check for updates.
5. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

After following these steps, try opening Norton to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Run Norton Autofix

Norton offers a built-in tool called AutoFix that automatically detects and fixes many problems with software. Here's how to use it:

1. Start by attempting to open Norton as usual.
2. If it opens, click on Help in the main window.
3. Select Get Help.
4. Norton AutoFix will launch, scan and fix detected problems.
5. After the scan, follow any additional instructions on the screen and restart your computer if recommended.

If you can’t open Norton to access Autofix, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 4: Run Norton Removal and Reinstallation Tool

The Norton Removal and Reinstallation tool can help you remove any corrupted installation of Norton and reinstall a fresh copy without remnants of the problem. Here is how to use this tool:

1. Go to the official Norton website and download the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool.
2. Save the file to a convenient location on your computer, such as the Desktop.
3. Double-click on the downloaded file to start the tool.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the Remove and Reinstall option.
5. The tool will first remove the existing Norton installation and then proceed to reinstall the latest version.

Once the process is complete, try launching Norton once again.

Solution 5: Check for conflicting software

Other security or antivirus programs may conflict with Norton. If such programs exist, consider temporarily disabling or uninstalling them to see if Norton will then launch. You can usually disable programs from their settings or by using the Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Find other antivirus programs in the list, right-click, and select Disable.
4. Restart your computer and try opening Norton again.

If this resolves the issue, consider keeping only one antivirus program active to avoid conflicts.

Solution 6: Fix corrupted or missing system files

Corrupted or missing system files can cause Norton and other applications to malfunction. You can use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) utility to scan and repair these files. Follow these steps:

1. Type cmd in the windows search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. The system will scan for any corrupt files and attempt to repair them.
5. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and try opening Norton.

Solution 7: Reset or reinstall Windows

If all else fails, consider resorting to the Windows Reset or System Restore options. Here's a brief guide on how to perform both:

Perform a System Restore:

1. Open the Start Menu and type System Restore.
2. Click Create a restore point.
3. In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
4. Follow the wizard to select a restore point from before Norton stopped working.
5. Proceed with the restoration process.

If a restore point doesn't resolve the issue, you can reset Windows while keeping your files intact:

Reset Windows:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
3. Select Keep my files to retain personal data when resetting Windows.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

After the reset, reinstall Norton and see if it now works correctly.

Conclusion

In most cases, one of the methods described above will resolve the Norton not opening issue on your Windows computer. Always ensure that your Norton software and Windows operating system are up-to-date to maintain compatibility and security. Back up your data regularly to minimize the impact of problems affecting your system setup. If the problem persists, consider contacting Norton Support for specialized assistance tailored to your specific situation.

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