Windows 10: Windows 10 Enterprise won't let me turn on Windows Defender

My PC automatically updated from Windows 7 Ultimate to Windows 10 Enterprise a few years back when Microsoft was offering free upgrades. I keep getting system notices to turn on Defender because it's disabled, but when I try to go to turn it on it says "Windows Defender Antivirus is turned off and is currently being managed by your system administrator." I don't know how it's being managed by an administrator other than me since I am the only one on the system. I know Windows 10 Enterprise is usually exclusive to businesses and you have to specially order it, so I have no clue why it automati

:)

 

Windows defender is turned off and won`t turn back on

Windows defender on windows 10 enterprise won`t turn on. This happened shortly after i updated it; when I try to turn it on it says:

This app has been turned off and it isn't monitoring your computer.

And right underneath it, it says:

If you are using another app for malicious and unwanted software use Security and Maintenance to check that app`s status.

Need for a response ASAP, thanks

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Windows defender is turned off and won`t turn back on

Did you just upgrade to Win 10?

I notice you're using Win 10 Enterprise. Are you part of a network and/or connecting to the internet via a server?



The behavior you are describing is typical if there are remnants of a third party program interfering with Windows Defender. This may occur even if WD was working okay on Win 8.1 before you upgraded to Win 10.



https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17187/windows-10-protect-your-pc
Note the comment in this document published by Microsoft that Windows Defender automatically turns off if you install another antivirus app.



Go to Security and Maintenance, look in 'Security' and see what program is listed under Virus Protection. Windows Defender will not be enabled and working properly if there is a program other than Windows Defender
listed.



Think back to what other antivirus programs have been previously installed. Do you remember which AV product came pre-installed or was previously on the computer? Maybe McAfee or Norton? Try running the removal tools for any AV
program that has ever been on the computer and then reboot...then try enabling Windows Defender though it might be automatically enabled and working properly.



See List of
anti-malware product removal tools



Have you tried the steps recommended in Problems
starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10 ?



For further information see the reply of quietman7 in
this thread: Windows Defender.



Alternatively you can consider a reset which will essentially be a “clean install” of Win 10 but you’ll lose installed programs and data/pics/music that is on the computer. Recovery options in Windows



Or - install a third party antimalware program (doing so should disable the real time protection of Windows Defender) and use the third party program for your antivirus protection.



Choosing an Anti-Virus Program



Is Windows
Defender The Best For Windows 10? Good article but ignore the ads.



AV Poll 2015 - Security | DSLReports Forums



Consumer antivirus software providers for Windows



Good luck...



http://blog.emsisoft.com/2015/01/27/top-10-ways-pups-sneak-onto-your-computer-and-how-to-avoid-them/