Windows 10: Win10 Defender anti-virus disabled

I have a fully updated Windows 10 laptop that had no less than 4 anti-virus programs on it and numerous other "junk". Even after a complete cleanup via programs uninstall, my Defender anti-virus will not turn on even though all the other Defender functions have a green checkmark indicating that they are working. The message is that Defender is controlled through my organization.


This is a stand-alone laptop that is NOT on a domain. There is no "organization" to which it answers, just me. Any suggestions?

:)

 

Is Windows Defender the only anti virus program I need?

Clarification, please.

Note that this is a Win10-specific thread.

Are you suggesting that Defender in Win10 (and Win8) does not include an anti-virus component or are you suggesting that Defender in Win10 (and Win8) does not provide sufficient (adequate; comprehensive) protection?

 

Anti Virus Problems

You should not be using more than one anti-vrus program on your computer. Read the
IMPORTANT NOTE about not using more than one anti-virus program in this

topic.

The inability to turn on Windows Defender 8/10 is typically the result of having a third-party anti-virus installed or failure to remove it properly (completely). Since Windows 8/10 Defender includes anti-virus protection, it is
disabled during the installation of another anti-virus program. If a trial anti-virus (i.e. McAfee, Norton, etc) came
preinstalled on your computer or you installed one, Windows Defender will be turned off (disabled). Windows Defender recognizes the install and automatically disables itself when other anti-virus products are used
to avoid conflicts. Windows Defender will remain disabled until that anti-virus software has been completely uninstalled. In some cases, you may need to download and run the anti-virus vendor's clean up tool to remove any remaining
remnants.

• Replacing your Anti-virus - List of Antivirus Uninstallers and Removal Tools
• Microsoft Wiki: List of anti-malware product removal tools by Stephen Boots,
  MVP

After removal of the third party anti-virus, Windows 8/10 Defender needs to be
activated if you choose to use it. When uninstalling the third-party anti-virus Defender should automatically turn itself on but sometimes you may receive a message indicating
your system has no protection...click here to turn on Windows Defender. If not, and Defender remains disabled, you will need to manually turn it on.

• How to turn Windows Defender On or Off in Windows 10
• How to turn Windows Defender On or Off in Windows 8

 

Are Bit defender FREE anti-virus and Windows Defender compatible?

Please do understand that Windows Defender on Windows 7 is NOT an Anti-Virus program.



Windows Defender on Windows 7 provides spyware protection only.



That means that you do have to install an Anti-Virus program.



It's up to you which one you want to install. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is not a bad choice IMO.



Most Anti-Virus programs automatically disable Windows Defender. If not, it's best that you disable Windows Defender yourself.







The only thing which you have to keep in mind is not to install/run more than 1 Anti-Virus program at the same time.



In case your computer came with a pre-installed Anti-Virus program and/or if you have another Anti-Virus program installed right now: Make sure to uninstall it (use also its specific appropriate uninstall tool from this

List of anti-malware product removal tools) before installing Bitdefender Antivirus Free.







In addition I suggest that you click on your blue profile name (LLLKKK) which brings you to your profile page.



There you will find all the threads with similar topics which you've asked before.



I suggest to read through them again because they contain further good information and many helpful links.







I hope this helps to clarify things for you.