Windows 10: Windows defender not working/can't download from anything due to there being no protection

Recently, My windows defender, in the hidden icons menu on the taskbar, has been showing an x icon. Now, it's completely gone and the menu in windows security is blank other than "security at a glance".





I've tried to troubleshoot by myself, by looking up the problem but all of the solutions seem more permanent than the problem is serious. One normal solution was to restart the security center in the services menu, but all of the choices including the restart option were greyed out. another solution was to do a soft reset which I tried and it didn't solve my problem. I can't even download one of the other defense programs since I can't download anything. Not that I'd want to do to the large number of ads that the free versions of those programs have. Doesn't seem to be a virus since nothing else has changed/nothing else has been compromised/nothing other than whether I'm allowed to download.


This problem came out of nowhere and I'm hoping that there's an easy solution that I may have missed. Please help!

:)

 

Clear Windows Security Center (Defender) Protection History

Did not work for me. After going through all steps I still have protection history full

 

Windows 10 Defender Malware Protection

You have to decide for yourself which Anti-Virus program you want to use...

Suggestion to read:

• Choosing an Anti-Virus Program
• Safe Steps for Replacing your Anti-virus - Why should you use Antivirus
  software?
• Supplementing your Anti-Virus Program with Anti-Malware Tools

and also the other interesting and informational topics covered in:
Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection

In addition you might want to read one or the other thread from this search:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/search/search?SearchTerm=Windows+10+Antivirus&IsSuggestedTerm=false&tab=&isFilterExpanded=false&CurrentScope.ForumName=protect&CurrentScope.Filter=&ContentTypeScope=#/protect//Discussion/1

Also see:

• Consumer antivirus software providers for Windows

• Windows Defender Security Center
  • Configure Windows Defender Security Center
  • Windows Defender Security Center on-demand scan
• Windows Defender in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10
  • Configure Windows Defender in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10
  • Windows Defender on-demand scan in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10

 

Windows Defender Real-time Protection will not turn on

Did you follow the steps recommended in Solutions



How about the steps recommended at Uninstall Bitdefender



Try running the removal tools for any security program that you previously used on the computer and be sure to reboot after using each tool. See
List of
anti-malware product removal tools



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



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

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For further detailed information suggest you review the reply of quietman7 in
this thread: Windows Defender.

“The inability to turn on Windows Defender 8/10 is typically the result of having a third-party anti-virus installed or failure to remove it properly (completely). Since Windows 8/10 Defender includes anti-virus protection,
it is disabled during the installation of another anti-virus program. If a trial anti-virus (i.e. McAfee, Norton, etc) came preinstalled on your computer or you installed one, Windows
Defender will be turned off (disabled). Windows Defender recognizes the install and automatically disables itself when other anti-virus products are used to avoid conflicts. Windows Defender will remain
disabled until that anti-virus software has been completely uninstalled. In some cases, you may need to download and run the anti-virus vendor's clean up tool to remove any remaining remnants.

• Replacing your Anti-virus - List of Antivirus Uninstallers
  and Removal Tools
• Microsoft Wiki: List of anti-malware product removal
  tools by Stephen Boots, MVP

After removal of the third party anti-virus, Windows 8/10 Defender needs to be activated if you choose to use it. When uninstalling the third-party anti-virus Defender should automatically turn itself on but sometimes you may receive a message
indicating your system has no protection...click here to turn on Windows Defender. If not, and Defender remains disabled, you will need to manually turn it on.

• How to turn Windows Defender On or Off in Windows 10
• How to turn Windows Defender On or Off in Windows 8

If that is not the case in your situation, check to make sure the Windows Defender service
is started.

• How to Configure Windows Defender in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 <- scroll
  down to "Couldn't start the Windows Defender service" error message

Sometimes it may take a couple of computer reboots after performing the above steps to ensure Windows Defender is up and running properly.”

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Or - - -



There are a number of viable antivirus options available for Windows 10 – free or paid - take your pick…



Choosing an Anti-Virus Program



Consumer antivirus software providers for Windows



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



Regards...