Windows 10: why there is an attempt to disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus security feature...

During an update of Windows 10 I keep getting alerts in Defender that there are attempts to disable the DisableRealtimeMonitoring and DisableAntiSpyware registries.The command line used is : Reg Import "C:\ProgramData\win1020H2update\OSD_Win10SecurityBaselineForFU_L_EN_01\regdesktop.reg"

:)

 

Disable folder selection prompt in Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans

Hello Community,

Whenever I attempt to manually scan a file or folder using Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it prompts me to select a folder. This differs from my experience with other antivirus software such as McAfee, where this step isn't necessary. Could anyone please clarify why Microsoft Defender Antivirus requires folder selection for scanning? Additionally, if this step is not essential, is there a way to disable this option? Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

OS: Windows 11 Pro

Thank you.

 

Microsof Defender Antivirus Disabled

Windows 10 Home 22H2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus became disabled somehow while I was troubleshooting a GPU problem. At present, I cannot reactivate Windows Defender Antivirus. The on-off switch is grayed out under "Real time Protection" in Virus Threats and Protection Settings page. "Tamper Protection" on this page is also off and grayed out (inoperable), so I cannot enable "Control Folder Access" which is off, and grayed out. I'm the sole user of this PC, and the Administrator, but Windows instructs me that only the Administrator can change these settings, or suggests I contact IT Helpdesk or IT Administrator. On the Windows Security Home page, Antivirus doesn't appear as an option. On the "Security Providers" page, it states Antivirus is turned off. No other Antivirus provider is noted. I have no other antivirus, firewall or similar program. I have already tried most of the solutions posted here before. I also get an error message with each attempted update.

 

Microsoft Defender VS Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Today, I uninstalled the Microsoft Defender app on my device.

However, in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Security providers, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is listed as my Antivirus.

When I click on "Open app" for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it just redirects me to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

1. Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus different from the Microsoft Defender app?

2. Is my device still being protected?

For context, I do not have any third party antivirus programs installed on my device right now,

and I never signed into the Microsoft Defender app with my Microsoft account,

nor do I have a Microsoft 365 subscription.