# Metamask Extension not working / virus report

You are facing issues with Windows Defender blocking the Metamask extension on your Incogniton browser. Windows Defender, as an antivirus software, sometimes detects certain files of Metamask as potential threats, which can prevent the extension from functioning properly. To solve this, follow the steps below.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Open Windows Security

Start by opening Windows Security on your device. You can usually find it in the Windows Security settings or by searching for **Windows Security** in the search bar.

![](/files/f1111d42b3fc65f398666a3e3c2d62550de755ec)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Go to Virus & Threat Protection

Once you have Windows Security open, look for the **Virus & Threat Protection** section. This is where you can manage the antivirus settings on your device.

![](/files/0c20892596f9d9c13fb20af68f7e1aeb4cd92acc)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open Protection History

Locate the option for **Protection History** (or a similarly named option). This will display a log of recent events and actions taken by Windows Defender.

![](/files/ebf60ab0525208a6774a6bb38d6b9a3a2d10e4c0)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Search for Metamask-related Events

Search the Protection History for any events or notifications related to Metamask. Windows Defender may have flagged and removed certain files associated with Metamask, causing it to malfunction.

![](/files/76c0814f34b4893d30dd0ca815a35419e745b5ee)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Restore or Allow Blocked Files

If you find events indicating the removal or blocking of Metamask files, restore or allow those files from the Protection History log. This action will whitelist the Metamask extension and prevent Windows Defender from blocking it in the future.

![](/files/2bf115125a158c01dbb0f962453e773ad18f43fe)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Reinstall Metamask

After restoring or allowing the blocked files, reinstall the Metamask extension to ensure all necessary components are present and functioning correctly. Reinstall Metamask from the official Chrome Web Store or the respective extension store of your browser.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If you still have any questions, contact our [support department](https://incogniton.com/contact/).
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.incogniton.com/general-questions/troubleshooting/metamask-extension-not-working-virus-report.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.