Windows 10: Windows Defender Unable to Work

Hi, I'm currently having an issue on my Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 where I am unable to run any of Window Defender's services including quick/full scans, real time protection, cloud protection, etc.. I've attempted a couple of solutions listed below, though none have seemed to fix the issues:

• Restarting Computer
• Modifying the System Registry added DisableAntiSpyware and set its value to 0, was not present beforehand
• Installing, running, and uninstalling an Avast antivirus quick scan
• Running Microsoft's Safety Scanner on a quick scan also including my secondary drive, and although I cannot remember the specific name of thevirus, there was one that it "fixed" that, upon lookup, disables Windows Defender features. I assumed the problem would be fixed then, but it was not the case.
• Running Microsoft's Safety Scanner full scan and and SFC scan... at the same time. The Safety Scanner managed to find20 more instances of viruses which I was never able to view and was searching through the last couple files progress bar was completely filled, and the SFC scan was at around 60% when I received a BSOD. Upon its restart I received acritical issue before booting error code 151, harddrive error

None of these methods seemed to fix the issues as I still cannot use any of the services. I've scanned through Task Manager, nothing looks fishy and no processes are taking up a ton of resources. I attempted to check for updates it was last check yesterday, but I received an error when trying to do so. Another thing I noticed that I thought was a bit odd was clicking on a window on the taskbar didn't bring it to the front like it normally would, not sure if it's related to this issue but it hasn't been a problem before this. I'm really stuck; I believe something infected my computer and needed to disable the Windows Defender to do so, but I just can't seem to figure out what is causing it and how to remove it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


For reference:

Computer Name: Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1

OS Version: Windows 10 Home version 10.0.17763

Drives: I have three drives two physical; one boot drive, and one storage drive. The storage drive is split off into Windows files C: and my downloads D:

Previous Infections: I had a crypto miner once that was removed by Microsoft's Safety Scanner I was aware it was to be installed however I really needed the application that delivered it

:)

 

Windows Defender disabled and is unable to start


OK. I am not sure if you can complete the steps below.......................
In the search box, type services.msc > Enter
Items in the Services box are listed alphabetically.
Scroll down to Windows Defender Service...........................
at Status heading, it should be.................................... Running
at Startup type, it should be......................................... Automatic







If that is not what yours said, right click at Windows Defender Service > click Properties >
can you change the Startup type to Automatic and Service status to Start ?
If yes, do so and click OK when done.

 

Unable to turn off Windows Defender

Hello,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

As per description, you are unable to turn off windows defender.

I suggest you try restarting Windows Defender service and check if issue is resolved. To do so kindly follow the below given steps:

• Press Windows key + X key and type services.msc,
  hit enter.
• Search Windows Defender Service.:1) Windows Defender Service ; 2)
  Windows Defender Network.
• Right click on each and press Start.
• Restart your computer and check if issue persist.

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need further assistance with Windows, we’ll be glad to assist you.

 

Unable to Remove Exclusions from Windows Defender

Thank you for posting back. If you trust a file, file type, folder, or a process that Windows Defender Antivirus has detected as malicious, you can stop Windows Defender Antivirus from alerting you or blocking the program by adding the file to
the exclusion list. It seems that it was added automatically. We suggest that you follow these steps:

• Go to Settings and select Update & security.
• Click Windows Defender.
• Look for Exclusions and select Add an exclusion.
• Navigate to the file, folder, or process, and select Exclude this file.

If the steps provided did not work, we recommend that you boot your device to
Safe Mode and redo the process.

Let us know if you need further assistance.