Windows 10: Cannot turn on Windows Defender in Windows 8.1 after uninstalling Kaspersky

I'm wondering if I need to use the Kaspersky uninstall removal tool. I uninstalled it through Programs, but am wondering if "remnants" of it are preventing Defender from turning on. I've already tried the tips about manually starting it through command prompt and going through the Action Center. Tried to reinstall Defender, but it wouldn't, as it's already installed, but won't turn on.


Any thoughts out there? I'm trying to do this for an elderly lady. Very frustrating!!


Thanks,

Chris

:)

 

Both Kaspersky And Windows Defender Are Turned Off

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...b59cebc4f24/how-to-protect-your-windows-10-pc
Note the statement "If you want to use Windows Defender Antivirus, uninstall all of your other antivirus programs and Windows Defender Antivirus will automatically turn on. You may be asked to restart your device." Accordingly you should not
be trying to use two AV programs to provide real time scanning - that causes performance issues, software conflicts and other issues.

Same computer?
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-other_settings-winpc/is-it-alright-to-run-both-windows-defenders-and/0b4f2033-bb22-412b-b71b-eafe49734c9c

And you removed any trial software that was on the computer when you first purchased it (such as McAfee or Norton) and ran the appropriate software removal tool for such products? List of
anti-malware product removal tools

If you want to use Kaspersky suggest uninstall Kaspersky, run the Kaspersky Removal Tool, reboot and then install a new version of Kaspersky. Windows Defender should be disabled.

List of
anti-malware product removal tools

Your best option regarding issues with Kaspersky would be to seek advice from Kaspersky Support or the Kaspersky Forum:

Kaspersky Lab Technical Support

Kaspersky Lab Forum

If necessary you can always manually disable Windows Defender:
https://www.windowsphoneinfo.com/threads/turn-on-or-off-windows-defender-in-windows-10.6895/

Regards

Top 10 Ways PUPs Sneak Onto Your Computer. And How To Avoid Them.

Yes. I am using the same computer and I didn't have any trial anti-malware software to be removed before purchasing Kaspersky.

 

Unable to start Windows Defender Windows 10 after uninstalling Kaspersky and Malware Bytes

Trying to start Windows Defender windows 10, after uninstalling Kaspersky AV, Windows 10 would not start Windows Defender due to another AV. Although Malware Bytes v3 should run with Windows Defender, I uninstalled it but still no luck. Have tried turning
off periodic scanning. reinstalling and re uninstalling Kaspersky. Tried using Kaspersky removal too but it doesn't include 2017 version. I have no other AV installed. Control Panel doesn't list any other either.

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum category.***

 

Security Centre reports Kaspersky and Windows Defender turned off


In Windows Settings / Update and Security it only has Windows Defender in the list on the left hand side, this reports "The settings for Windows Defender Antivirus aren't available because it is turned off"; then gives the option to Turn on Windows Defender Antivirus.

In old-style Control Panel / Security and Maintenance, under the Security heading, it reports Windows Defender Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security are both turned off, and gives a button View Antivirus Applications. This shows the dialogue box I mentioned in the OP which lists the two installed virus protection applications: Kaspersky Internet Security - Off, Windows Defender Antivirus - Snoozed.

Kaspersky reports Your Computer is protected and can be seen in Task Manager to be running and consuming resources.

As Windows - falsely - claims neither is running there's no option to turn one off.

I'm wondering whether it started with this week's Windows updates.

I might try uninstalling and re-installing KIS to see if it makes any difference.