Windows 10: Windows Defender not running

I did a few searches of how I can turn on Windows Defender, and nothing seems quite right, so here we go.


I can find Windows Security options in my Settings folder, and see where WinDef is turned off. However, when I try to turn it on, it says that I need to go to the Microsoft Store to download an app. Okay, whatever, BUT it only gives me the option to "Open App" and when I do, it gives me the same prompt to go to the Microsoft Store. I can also see the WinDef icon in my system tray, but right-clicking only gives me a few options, and all of them lead back to the dead prompt for the Windows Store.


I had seen a different, somewhat similar thread that said to check the msconfig screen under "Services." Windows Defender IS checked, but says "Not Running" and I don't see any other options that it will let me use.


Do I need to reinstall Windows? What am I missing here? If it helps, I have an ASUS Vivobook that was just RMA'd back to me after an issue with the charging cable. The charging issue is fixed, but they wiped the laptop during the service so I'm wondering if something got messed up.

:)

 

Windows Defender problem

Hi Ernst,

To troubleshoot this issue, we suggest that you check the Windows Defender service if it's running. If you are using a third party spyware/malware program, it may disable the Windows Defender service. To do this, please follow the steps below:

• Press Windows + R key.
• Type services.msc.
• Right-click Windows Defender service and click
  Start.

Let us know the result.

 

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.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx



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 defender runs slow

Hi Thomas,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience you are facing currently. Let me help you in resolving the issue.

I would appreciate if you can provide us the following information to help us understand the issue better.

• Have you installed any third party security application in your system, apart from Windows 10?
  
• What is the make and model of your computer?

I would like to inform you that this issue might occur, if the Windows defender is scanning too many junk or malware effected files in the system. As of now,
I suggest you to run System maintenance task and check if it helps.

The Run maintenance task checks issues that might slow down your computer's, such as how many users are currently logged on to the computer and whether multiple programs are running at the same time.

Follow the below steps.

• 
  Press Windows + X on the keyboard.
  
• 
  Select Control Panel.
  
• 
  Select Troubleshooting.
  
• 
  Click on Run maintenance task under
  System and Security.
  

For more information, refer to the below link:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-defender-offline-faq

Hope the information helps. Keep us posted on Windows related queries and we will be happy to assist you further.