Windows 10: Unable to turn off windows defender and virus protection

Hello and Goodday,i am running windows 11 preview build on M1 macbook using Parallels Desktop. However whenever i try to switch off the windows defender and virus protection feature. It doesn't seem to work. I have tried numerous methods including altering registry policy and disabling it via Windows Services, none of this works. i get errors codes. Even tried using command prompt and powershell in Adminstrator mode. Still not working. What;s the solution to this problem

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How to turn on Window Defender virus protection.

I installed Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Now my Windows Defender is turned off. I need the virus protection but am unable to turn on Defender virus protection. I am using Windows 10. Any suggestions?

 

How to turn on Window Defender virus protection.

Thanks for your quick response and the quality of your information. I am still trying to work out a problem with my Malwarebytes Anti-Malware before I can reinstall my Windows Defender. I am saving your info. - Judith A.

 

Cannot turn on Windows Defender virus protection

I had the same sort of symptoms. In the Windows Security Center, under Virus and threat protection, it said "Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization."





I note you mentioned the Registry Keys under HKLM/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows Defender. Nice spotting, but it seems like there is another key that is causing the problem for some users.

Steps to a solution:

1. Press the Windows key and type "regedit"
   
2. On the regedit icon that appears, right-click and select Run as Administrator.
   
3. Navigate to the folder located at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender (You can paste this into the address box at the top of the window, or navigate manually using the side directory structure)
   
4. In this folder, there are probably two keys. Right-click and Delete the DisableAntiSpyware key.
   
5. Exit regedit, and return to the Windows Defender settings screen (refresh it if necessary). Windows Defender should have the scan options available and working.
   

Solution adapted from here, with a much more detailed solution here.