Windows 10: Windows Defender Will Not Open

I am using Windows 10. Today, I downloaded a picture from a Google search. My computer froze immediately afterwards. I tried to open Windows Defender to run a security check. Nothing happened. I tried several different ways to open it and all resulted in nothing happening so I started researching the problem. I found a post with someone who was having the same issue. A Microsoft rep suggested two ways to fix the problem:


1.) Press Windows Start key + R

2.) Type services.msc

3.) Search for Windows Defender Services

4.) Change Start Type to Automatic

5.) Restart computer


I did this but it showed the setting was already on 'Automatic'. I tried to open it anyway but nothing happened so I tried the second suggestion:


1.) Press Windows Start Key + Q

2.) Type cmd

3.) On the left pane, click on the cmd option and select Run as Administrator

4.) Type sfc/scannow then hit enter


I got through step #2 and a window opened but quickly disappeared. I tried the process again and this time nothing happened. There was a suggestion from a reply to the post to to go to 'Windows Update' to make sure the computer was up to date with all changes. Again, nothing happened when I tried to check for updates.


At this point, I suspect my computer has been attacked. It seems my only two options are to spend $$ to see if it can be repaired or spend $$$ to buy another one. A third option , other than destroying it, would be GREATLY appreciated!

:)

 

Installing Apps on Windows 10 Has Windows Defender Finding Malware

Hi Tommy,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

• 
  Is this issue specific to third party apps?
  

I would suggest you to open Windows defender and add exclusions and check if it helps. Follow the steps to add exclusions in windows Defender.

• 
  Type Windows defender settings in the search bar and press enter
  
• 
  Under Exclusions click on Add Exclusion
  

Hope this information helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of the issue so that we can assist you further.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

defender scans

Hi Ian,

Thanks for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

This issue might occur if you have set any task scheduler for Windows Defender.

I suggest you to delete the task for Windows defender and check if it helps.

Follow the below steps:

• 
  Search and open Schedule tasks.
  
• 
  In the left-hand menu, open the Task Scheduler Library, then select
  Microsoft >Windows >Windows Defender.
  
• 
  Double-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.
  
• 
  Select the Triggers panel, then select Delete.
  

Hope it helps, reply to us with the status of your issue. We will be happy to assist you.