Windows 10: Can't turn on Windows Defender

When I try to access Defender I just get a message saying there is no app to open it and try the Windows Store. Then that draws a blank.

:)

 

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.

 

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.

 

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