Windows 10: Unable to turn Windows defender virus Protection on.

So Ive uninstalled the old anti virus, restarted the pc and encountered an error of unable to "Unexpected Error. Sorry, we ran into a problem. Please try again".So Ive restart the PC done the below:sfc / scannow - completed sucessfullydism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth - completed sucessfully after both those tried again to turn it on still the same error.Then moved on to the following command as advised on another thread. Get-AppXPackage Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$$_.InstallLocation\AppXManifest.xml"} - this returned some errors advsing that

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How to turn on Window Defender virus protection.

I installed Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Now my Windows Defender is turned off. I need the virus protection but am unable to turn on Defender virus protection. I am using Windows 10. Any suggestions?

 

How to turn on Window Defender virus protection.

Thanks for your quick response and the quality of your information. I am still trying to work out a problem with my Malwarebytes Anti-Malware before I can reinstall my Windows Defender. I am saving your info. - Judith A.

 

Cannot turn on Windows Defender virus protection

I had the same sort of symptoms. In the Windows Security Center, under Virus and threat protection, it said "Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization."





I note you mentioned the Registry Keys under HKLM/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows Defender. Nice spotting, but it seems like there is another key that is causing the problem for some users.

Steps to a solution:

1. Press the Windows key and type "regedit"
   
2. On the regedit icon that appears, right-click and select Run as Administrator.
   
3. Navigate to the folder located at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender (You can paste this into the address box at the top of the window, or navigate manually using the side directory structure)
   
4. In this folder, there are probably two keys. Right-click and Delete the DisableAntiSpyware key.
   
5. Exit regedit, and return to the Windows Defender settings screen (refresh it if necessary). Windows Defender should have the scan options available and working.
   

Solution adapted from here, with a much more detailed solution here.