Windows 10: Windows 10 update turning Windows Defender off?

So, earlier today (after having been gone for the last week on a trip) I installed a update for my Windows 10 computer. After the update (and it seemed like a doosy) the system worked fine for about 5-10 minutes and so I set about doing the usual disk cleanup. During this though Windows Defender turned itself off. Attempts to open the program either result in a window that just reads that the app is 'turned off' and isn't monitoring the computer. Following the tabs on the 'action center' pull out seem to open up the Defender tab properly and allows me to turn it on...but then it turns itself off again after a couple of seconds.

I'm not currently running any other kind of virus scan/spyware protection software on the machine atm. Kinda lost as to what happened here or how to fix it. Aside from just installing new anti-virus software.

Thoughts?

:)

 

Windows Defender error 80070422

Original title: 80070422 for windows 10

Cannot turn on windows defender after updating to Windows 10.

Have tried to go to 'services.msd' and turn on Windows defender manually, but the icon of "turn on" is grey (cannot choose this option). Please help.

 

Cannot update Windows 10

I cannot update windows 10 because of windows defender (which isn't turned on) but I can't turn defender on... anyone having this type of problem?

 

Hi cBselfmonkey and welcome to Tenforums.
Have look here and see if this helps:

Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

 

Hello simrick

I followed the steps here Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums specifically the option with the REG file? Downloaded it, got the warning thingy about the registry and saved it anyway, clicked through all the options etc... and still nothing. Defender wont stay on.

 

Hi.
Are you not able to try Option #1?

Perhaps you could try sfc /scannow, to see if there are any corrupt system files which might be repaired.

SFC Command - Run in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

Keep in mind, you may need to run it at least 3 times, rebooting in-between each run. Sometimes it needs to fix some before it can fix others.

 

My computer just updated and is doing the same thing as well. The SFC check came back with is all ok. It must be something to do with the update. *Huh

 

Odd. Please be sure both of you report this through the Windows Feedback App in your system. Search for it first, to see if many others are reporting the same issue.

 

Same problem with cBselfmonkey :/

 

Looks like the same thing a lot of people are encountering since the last update. There have a few other post relating to this with the same problem, Defender not staying on/running. For most people, doing a refresh or repair install solved the problem.

Refresh Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade - Windows 10 Forums

 

I'm having the same problem, I've scanned my system several times, restarted, etc., to no avail.
Is there any answer to this issue beyond the obvious things we've already tried? I'm going to have to download a 3rd part app soon, as I don't want my PC to remain unprotected.

Thanks for any new info from anyone.

 

P.S. when I look at the Defender status from Setting>>Security&Update, the switch shows Defender is in "On" position, but unable to toggle the switch:

 

Give this a try................................

Right click at Start > Run > type services.msc > OK > scroll down to Windows defender service >
under Status ............................... it should say Running
under Startup type................... it should say Automatic
If it does not say that, RIGHT click at WD Service > Properties >
at Startup type, is the box greyed out ? If not, click the pointer and select Automatic
at Service Status, are the boxes greyed out ? If not, click Start
> OK and exit.