Windows 10: How do I force Windows Defender to be always ON?

Hi all! I know this is a rather unusual request, but can somebody please help me understand how can I force the Windows Defender and specifically the Real-time protection to be always on through GPO settings?My test stand is a freshly installed Windows 11 Enterprise and a Windows Server 2025 as the domain controller. I have searched the web for many days at this point, but can't seem to find the answer anywhere. As of the moment, my "Defender disable prevention GPO" toggles following keys:Computer configuration > Policies > Administrative templates > Windows components > Microsoft

:)

 

Windows Defender problem

Hi Ernst,

To troubleshoot this issue, we suggest that you check the Windows Defender service if it's running. If you are using a third party spyware/malware program, it may disable the Windows Defender service. To do this, please follow the steps below:

• Press Windows + R key.
• Type services.msc.
• Right-click Windows Defender service and click
  Start.

Let us know the result.

 

Windows update and windows defender issues

We suggest you to avoid installing any cleaner or anti-virus software that may interrupt the function of Windows Defender. Make sure that Windows Defender is always on. To do this follow these steps:

• On the Start menu, type Windows Defender and hit enter.
  
• Click Settings.
  
• Turn Real-time protection on.

We also recommend you to install the latest update for Windows Defender.

Should you have further questions, feel free to get back to us.

 

Installing Apps on Windows 10 Has Windows Defender Finding Malware

Hi Tommy,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

• 
  Is this issue specific to third party apps?
  

I would suggest you to open Windows defender and add exclusions and check if it helps. Follow the steps to add exclusions in windows Defender.

• 
  Type Windows defender settings in the search bar and press enter
  
• 
  Under Exclusions click on Add Exclusion
  

Hope this information helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of the issue so that we can assist you further.