Windows 10: Cannot turn on Windows Defender at all.

Discus and support Cannot turn on Windows Defender at all. in AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security to solve the problem; I turned on my PC and I noticed McAfee's anti-virus uninstalled itself, all I had left was the desktop icon. I installed back McAfee's then I tried to... Discussion in 'AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security' started by JCR_952, Mar 8, 2020.

  1. JCR_952
    JCR_952 Win User

    Cannot turn on Windows Defender at all.


    I turned on my PC and I noticed McAfee's anti-virus uninstalled itself, all I had left was the desktop icon. I installed back McAfee's then I tried to run a scan which did not work at all, then I uninstalled via the control panel and even used their program the MCPR to get rid of any left overs.


    Then I try to perform a scan with my Windows Defender only to notice it's turned off, the option to turn on real time protection is turned off and I cannot turn it on at all whatsover its blurry grey and set to off permanently. I ran a SFC scan and a DISM. I tried to restart the Security Service Center but the option to ''restart'' is blurred out and wont work. I tried to force it on via Group Policy from changing the ''DisableAntiSpyware'' value from 1 to 0 but still didn't help.


    Basically I tried every single option I think somehow a virus uninstalled Windows Defender as well as my McAfee anti-virus I don't know what the heck happened but if there is a way to reset Windows Defender without restarting my whole Windows 10 please let me know or any other solutions.

    :)
     
    JCR_952, Mar 8, 2020
    #1
  2. EILEEN GAL
    Eileen Gal Win User

    WINDOWS DEFENDER is turned off

    Hi Ahmed,

    Since you're not able to turn on Windows Defender as well, we'd like to know if you have made any changes recently prior to this issue. In the meantime, you may follow the steps below on how to turn on Windows Defender manually:

    • Type Windows Defender in the Search bar and press
      Enter.
    • Go to Settings and make sure that the Turn on real-time protection recommended option is turned on.
    Same thing with the other members who are having the same issue, we suggest that you check if the service was setup to
    Automatic in the Services option. Please follow the steps that we've provided last
    September 3, 2017.

    Let us know how if you were able to turn it on properly by changing the Startup type to Automatic.
     
    Eileen Gal, Mar 8, 2020
    #2
  3. NOFOISTAPP
    nofoistapp Win User
    windows defender turned off.....................

    @atramsuraj: You can
    read this post     and follow the given steps to re-enable your Windows Defender. And, by the way:

    • What OS are you running?
    • Are you also using 3rd-party security program? If so, please consider disabling it, as some could turn off Windows Defender automatically.
     
    nofoistapp, Mar 8, 2020
    #3
  4. MALA_S
    Mala_S Win User

    Cannot turn on Windows Defender at all.

    Windows Defender of Windows 10 stoped working and is not turning on

    Hello NasirMahmood1,

    Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community forum.

    Have you installed any third party anti-virus software?

    Step 1: Turn Windows Defender Service On.

    Initially, we need to check with the status of
    Windows Defender Service which might be stopping the defender to turn on.

    • Press Windows key + R and type
      services.msc and press Enter key.
    • Search for Windows Defender Service and check if it has been started.
    • Right click on Windows Defender Service and click on
      Restart.

    Step 2: Turn On Windows Defender Antivirus using Group Policy.

    As you are on Windows 10 Pro build, I would suggest
    gpedit.msc     settings from the following link and set it to Disabled or not configured to
    turn on real time protection setting. Follow the steps mentioned under
    Disable real-time protection from the article-
    Enable and configure antivirus always-on protection and monitoring    .

    Hope it helps.

    Regards,

    Mala S

    Microsoft Community – Moderator
     
    Mala_S, Mar 8, 2020
    #4
Thema:

Cannot turn on Windows Defender at all.

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