Windows 10: Windows Defender will not turn on even with Malwarebytes disabled

Loaded a new HP Laptop with Malwarebytes premium three days ago. Today I checked Windows Defender (WD) and a message comes up saying WD has been turned off. With an instruction that if using additional AV software to go to "Updates and Security" and check that apps status. Going there I don't see how to check the status and WD status show enabled but grayed out and non-responsive,

I disabled Malware bytes and rebooted and checked WD and got the same message. I checked the forum and saw a message saying that possibly WD goes into limbo and MS is aware of issue and possibly with new 10 version out Aug 2nd problem would be solved (today is Sept 18, I received computer 3 days ago and windows is on automatic update so am assuming computer has anniversary system). On my previous laptop WD and MB played will together from day one with no compatibility issues. Any suggestions?

:)

 

Do Windows 10 Home or Professional Defender/AVG Free/MalwareBytes Free Conflict?

Hi,

We suggest you to use Microsoft Defender. You cannot uninstall Windows Defender. If you install any other anti-virus software, Windows Defender will be disabled automatically.

Yes, even if you install Malwarebytes, Windows Defender will be disabled.

Thank you.

 

How to Disable Windows Defender

I want to permanently disable Windows Defender. I am running Win 10 Home edition. I run Malwarebytes Pro antivirus. I do not want/need to run Windows Defender. I turn it off, but it turns itself back on at night. How do I disable? Thanks.

 

First be sure there are no trial A/V programs running, sometimes on a new machine they are included
with all the other bloatware.

Check to see if another A/V is installed by going to control panel > programs and features.
If you do find one listed there please post the exact name of it, someone will post instructions
on how to remove it cleanly.

This tutorial will show you how to turn Defender on.
Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

You are correct MBAM still does play well with Defender, I use both on my lappy also.

 

The only issue I've had with Windows Defender not working properly was when there was something left behind that took over the AV duties but would not release them back to Windows Defender when uninstalled. A couple of times the old AV site had a clean-up utility that helped. Once required a Reset as no other AV would install.

 

If this is a new lappy, they usually come pre-loaded with an AV. As Computiac suggested, do a check to see if anything is on there you may not know about.

If you do find something, be sure to use that AV's uninstall tool. Removing it through windows only can leave behind orphan files from the AV that can cause problems down the road. You can find a list of AV uninstall tool here.

Uninstallers (removal tools) for common Windows antivirus softwareESET Knowledgebase