Windows 10: Windows Defender becoming a virus!

I am currently spending HOURS copying files from a smaller drive in my NAS to a new larger drive. Well low and behold, Windows Defender decided I cant handle my own files and decided to delete files that are NOT viruses and are part on some emulators and other things I have. Now I go to restore them and they come back on the source drive as ZERO byte files!!! FK O MS!!!

So how do I shut this virus off and recover my now lost files????

submitted by /u/Neccros
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:)

 

Windows Defender Not On

Hi,



Welcome to Microsoft Community. Your interest in Windows 10 is much appreciated.



I would suggest you to try the below methods and check:

Method 1:

I would suggest you to run virus scan to make sure the computer is free from virus.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove virus, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

Microsoft Safety Scanner Download - Windows security



Method 2:

Turn the Defender on. Follow the below steps:

• In search, type Defender.
• Now make the option ON by moving the slider accordingly.

Method 3: Run the SFC.

Follow the below steps:

• Open Command Prompt.

• Select “Run as Administrator”.
• Type “sfc /scannow” without quotes and hit
  Enter.

Now check for the issue.



Keep us posted if you face any issues on windows in future. We will be glad to help you.

 

Windows update and windows defender issues

We suggest you to avoid installing any cleaner or anti-virus software that may interrupt the function of Windows Defender. Make sure that Windows Defender is always on. To do this follow these steps:

• On the Start menu, type Windows Defender and hit enter.
  
• Click Settings.
  
• Turn Real-time protection on.

We also recommend you to install the latest update for Windows Defender.

Should you have further questions, feel free to get back to us.

 

Cannot turn on Windows Defender virus protection

I had the same sort of symptoms. In the Windows Security Center, under Virus and threat protection, it said "Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization."





I note you mentioned the Registry Keys under HKLM/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows Defender. Nice spotting, but it seems like there is another key that is causing the problem for some users.

Steps to a solution:

1. Press the Windows key and type "regedit"
   
2. On the regedit icon that appears, right-click and select Run as Administrator.
   
3. Navigate to the folder located at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender (You can paste this into the address box at the top of the window, or navigate manually using the side directory structure)
   
4. In this folder, there are probably two keys. Right-click and Delete the DisableAntiSpyware key.
   
5. Exit regedit, and return to the Windows Defender settings screen (refresh it if necessary). Windows Defender should have the scan options available and working.
   

Solution adapted from here, with a much more detailed solution here.