Windows 10: I am unable to turn Windows Defender on. I have no other antivirus programs installed so...

submitted by /u/Dawjman
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:)

 

Unable to Turn on Windows Defender

Did you follow the suggestions in my post? The behavior you are describing is typical if there are remnants of a third party program installed.

Go to Security and Maintenance, Look in 'Security' and see what program is listed under Virus Protection. Windows Defender will
not be enabled if there is a program other than Windows Defender listed.

Did you try all the steps recommended in Problems
starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10 ?

If you cannot resolve the issue why don't you just install a different antimalware program?

There are a number of viable options available – free or paid - take your pick…

Choosing an Anti-Virus Program

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/antivirus-partners#AVtabs=win10

Regards...

 

Can't turn on Defender: "Another antivirus program is installed" but there's not

Was there ever another Anti-Virus program installed?

In case you already uninstalled a previous (perhaps pre-)installed Anti-Virus program:

Did you also use its specific removal tool, see this
List of anti-malware product removal tools ?

If not, then please do so now and reboot.

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In case Windows Defender still isn't automatically enabled after doing the above:

I'd suggest to run the ESET AV Removal Tool and see if it can detect another AV or leftover traces...

ESET AV Removal Tool

The ESET AV Removal tool will remove almost any antivirus software previously installed on your system.

direct download link:
http://download.eset.com/special/eset_av_remover.exe

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Do you use Spybot?

If so, see

Running Spybot and Windows Defender – Windows 10

https://www.safer-networking.org/faq/spybot-defender-windows-10/

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In addition, I suggest to read and try everything here:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/wiki/protect_defender-protect_start/problems-starting-windows-defender-in-windows/808253bb-db89-4db9-a4e5-1c91a86489e9

 

WINDOWS DEFENDER is turned off

To further isolate your concern, we'd like to know if you have other security programs installed on your computer.
Windows Defender will automatically shut itself off if there are other antivirus or security programs installed. There's a possibility that a trial version of other security program was installed on your computer. Also, if the third-party security
program installed has a Firewall, then Windows Firewall will also stop working. Since Windows Defender is dependent to Windows Firewall, then that's a reason why it won't be turned on.

We suggest that you check your computer for any third-party security program via
Programs and Features, then you will have to uninstall your third-party security software and reboot the system. Once you've rebooted your PC, turn on Windows Defender manually by following the steps below:

• Type Windows Defender in the Search bar and press
  Enter.
  
  
• Go to Settings and make sure that the Turn on real-time protection option is turned on.
  

NOTE: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. You should re-enable your antivirus or other security software as soon as you're
done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.


Kindly update us with the result and let us know if you need further help.