Windows 10: Security wont allow windows defender to turn on

I have a brand new computer just a week old and since my latest insider update (14971) I cannot turn on or update "Windows Defender". I get this error when I attempt to turn on Defender in Settings:
THIS APP IS TURNED OFF BY GROUP POLICY
to allow this app to run, contact your security
administrator to enable the program via group policy

:)

 

Windows Defender doesn't turn ON

*Original Title: windows defender

the windows defender wont allow mw to turn it on help!!!

 

Windows defender

I'm unable to turn on windows defender. when I go into settings then security it wont let me click to turn it on. need help. windows smart screen is whacky also

 

I need a FIX: Security Administrator has disabled Windows Defender and will not allow me to turn it on. I am the computer's administrator and the only one who uses the PC. I have checked all of the User Accounts and everything seems normal. Please help I have no AV on the PC for they will not install. So I am flying blind and with one wing

 

Hello AFTommy, thank you for your service.

I am not familiar with what you mean by Security Administrator.
--- Can you let us know what it is and how it got on your computer?
Go to Control Panel > Security and Maintenance > expand the Security section and post a snapshot.




Also while in Control Panel, go to Programs and Features and post what is installed pertaining to Security Administrator if there is one. In my case I’m posting Malwarebtytes which is my malware protection program.




BTW, I use Windows Defender and Malwarebtytes Free and they do not interfere with each other.

 

Do you used any 3rd party antivirus beside Defender? Have you run Malwarebytes scan to check if you have any infection? Can you boot into safe mode and networking try to see if it able to enable?

 

I appreciate the good wishes.

I will answer your questions as best as I can and attach a couple of screenshots to show you where "security administrator" came from.

Attachment 112056Attachment 112057

Those two dialogues are what pops up when I attempt to open or update "WD" thru settings. I also use MalWareBytes and Windows Defender in conjunction with nor problems. I have removed MWB while trying to solve this issue. Yes I ran MWB more than once while troulble shooting.

 

Screenshot 2016-11-30 20.59.54.png

 

Sorry about thatUntitled.jpg

 

AFTommy,

Are you running Windows 10 Pro?

If so, the Group Policy is it referring to is probably the value: DisableAntiSpyware

This is found in the Registry under: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsDefender

Just delete the DisableAntiSpyware value and Windows Defender should work again.

However, if you have another antivirus program installed, be aware that Windows Defender gets automatically disabled!

 

I understand about the auto defeat. I have temporarily installed avg so I didn't get left with "shields down". I will remove it and run AMW before I give your suggestion a try. As far as what version of win10 I have: I originally had pro but on the new computer its probable home.
Thanks for the heads-up

 

can u tell me what I click to get to DisableAntiSpyware

 

You are the one. I appreciate all your help. That registry edit of DisableAntiSpyware did the trick.

 

Duplicate thread?

Security Admin Wont Allow Defender to Turn on - Windows 10 Forums

MM

 

Thanks for letting us know your solution. Happy computing.