Windows 10: "microsoft defender antivirus is turned off" and my computer is 'vulnerable'. HOW DO I TURN...

I KEEP GETTING A POP UP ON MY SCREEEN SAYING I NEED TO 'RENEW' MY "ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION" FOR XX AMOUNT OF MONEY. I WAS THINKING MY COMPUTER CAME WITH 'SECURITY AND ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION'. COME TO FIND OUT IT DOES BUT IS TURNED OFF AND NOW MY COMPUTER IS "VULNERABLE". HOW DO I RE ACTIVATE THE SECURITY AND PROTECTION MY COMPUTER CAME WITH??

:)

 

How to disable/turn off Microsoft Defender

To disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus follow bellow steps:

Turn On or Off Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10

press: Windows key
type: gpedit.msc
right click on gpedit.msc and run as Administrator
Expand and click on following node:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus

On the right side double click on:
Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Click on Enabled radio button and press OK
reboot system for changes to take effect

 

turn off windows defender

Hello Nayan,

The tutorial below can help show you step by step on how to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10.

How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10

Unless you have a 3rd party antivirus program installed, it is not recommended to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus to help keep your computer protected.

 

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.