Windows 10: Windows Security/Defender/Virus and Protection not working

Hi all,My Windows Security/Defender/Virus and Protection have all appeared to stop working. My real-time protection is off and I can't switch it off. I did not have any 3rd party antivirus software at the time just installed Avira free to plug the gap for now. May I kindly ask how I may go about reinstalling / restarting these services? I have tried suggestions using powershell, regedit and services but they all don't seem to work. I have also kept my windows up to date and tried resetting Windows Security in app settings.I have also tried sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHe

:)

 

Cannot turn on Windows Defender virus protection

I had the same sort of symptoms. In the Windows Security Center, under Virus and threat protection, it said "Your virus & threat protection is managed by your organization."





I note you mentioned the Registry Keys under HKLM/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows Defender. Nice spotting, but it seems like there is another key that is causing the problem for some users.

Steps to a solution:

1. Press the Windows key and type "regedit"
   
2. On the regedit icon that appears, right-click and select Run as Administrator.
   
3. Navigate to the folder located at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender (You can paste this into the address box at the top of the window, or navigate manually using the side directory structure)
   
4. In this folder, there are probably two keys. Right-click and Delete the DisableAntiSpyware key.
   
5. Exit regedit, and return to the Windows Defender settings screen (refresh it if necessary). Windows Defender should have the scan options available and working.
   

Solution adapted from here, with a much more detailed solution here.

 

Clear Windows Security Center (Defender) Protection History

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

 

windows defender virus and threat protection

Are you sure the malware has been removed? Remove the Боковая панель - Комета or Kometa Adware & Browser

Is Malwarebytes now providing real time protection for your computer? If so then it may have disabled Windows Defender.

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

See Problems
starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10

And/Or

How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10

You might also want to review https://www.winhelp.us/configure-windows-defender-security-center.html
Good information but ignore the ads.

Regards…

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