Windows 10: windows cannot find 'defender.exe'

my windows defender doesn't open. I've tried many known methods to fix it such as:1. reset/repair windows security2. rebuild all apps to fix windows security settings3. using system file checker to repair all corrupt files4. check for windows update5. enable background apps

:)

 

how to reinstall windows defender?

The system is infected by miners and other malware, which have deleted your Defender executables completely. A repair installation is suggested.

Before that, please do the following:

• Download FixList.txt
  

• Save Fixlist.txt in the same folder where EnglishFRST64.exe is.
  
• Close all program windows.
  

• Launch the Farbar Scanner tool and click "Fix".
  
• Upload the output log file (FixLog.txt) to your OneDrive.
  

Once done, repair Windows 10. See How to perform an In-place Upgrade with Windows 10 Step-by-Step Guide - Microsoft Community:

Redirecting

 

windows defender exe missing

If you are unable to find Windows Security or Windows Defender on your PC running Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, it's possible that the application might be disabled, or there could be an issue with the installation. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue and ensure that Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender) is active on your system:

1. Check if Windows Security is enabled:
   
   • Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
     
   • Go to Update & Security.
     
   • In the left pane, select Windows Security.
     
   • Check if it shows "You're protected" or any security status. If you see any issues or errors, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve them.
     
2. Check Windows Security Service:
   
   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
     
   • Type "services.msc" (without quotes) and press Enter.
     
   • In the Services window, look for "Windows Defender Antivirus Service."
     
   • Make sure the service status is "Running" and the startup type is set to "Automatic." If not, right-click on the service, choose "Properties," set the startup type to "Automatic," click "Start," and then click "OK."
     
3. Perform a Full System Scan:
   
   • If you can access Windows Security, perform a full system scan to ensure your PC is free from any threats.
     
4. Enable Windows Defender through Group Policy (for advanced users):
   
   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
     
   • Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
     
   • Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Windows Defender Antivirus."
     
   • Look for the policy named "Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus."
     
   • Double-click on it and set it to "Not Configured" or "Disabled."
     
   • Click "Apply" and then "OK."
     
5. Check for Windows updates:
   
   • Sometimes, missing features or issues with Windows Security can be resolved by installing the latest Windows updates. Make sure your system is up-to-date by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
     

If you've tried the above steps and Windows Security is still not visible or working correctly, there might be an issue with the Windows installation. In that case, you can try running the "sfc /scannow" command in the Command Prompt to scan and repair system files. Additionally, consider checking for malware or other third-party security software that might be conflicting with Windows Security.

If the problem persists, I recommend reaching out to Microsoft support or a qualified computer technician for further assistance, as they can help you troubleshoot the specific issue with your Windows 10 Pro for Workstations installation.

 

The State of Cryptocurrency

According to the reddit page i linked earlier, this is the solution:

• Disable Windows Real-Time Protection
• Disable Cloud-delivered protection
• Copy the .exe back over to the affected machine.
• Add the .exe to the windows 10 defender exclusion list
• Enable windows defender again to see if it would removed it again.
• Startup claymore again.

Here is how to add an exclusion:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...dd-an-exclusion-to-windows-defender-antivirus