Troubleshooting Windows Defender Issues in Windows 10
As regular Windows 10 users, we know how crucial having an effective antivirus is for protecting our devices. Windows Defender Antivirus provides robust malware protection right out of the box. However, many users encounter frustrating issues with Windows Defender not turning on or not working properly. In this guide, we will walk through the top methods for troubleshooting Windows Defender problems on Windows 10.
Checking for Third-Party Antivirus Software Conflicts
One of the most common reasons for Windows Defender malfunctioning is incompatible third-party antivirus software. Many security solutions do not play well with Defender. To check for conflicts, open Windows Security and look under Virus & Threat Protection. If another antivirus is listed, try uninstalling it. Reboot your device afterward. With the conflicting software removed, Defender should begin working again.
How do I reset Windows Security?
Press the Win+I key on the keyboard to open Settings. On the next page, click on the button in Settings. Click on to confirm. When you reset Windows Security, everything from your security key will be deleted and reset to factory defaults. All data and credentials will be cleared. In short, all data belonging to this app will be cleared.
How do I configure Windows Firewall?
Configuring your Windows Firewall based on the following best practices can help you optimize protection for devices in your network. These recommendations cover a wide range of deployments including home networks and enterprise desktop/server systems. To open Windows Firewall, go to the Start menu, select Run , type WF.msc, and then select OK.
Restarting the Windows Security Center Service
Sometimes Windows Defender gets stuck in a non-functional state due to a glitch with the Security Center Service. Restarting this background process often resolves the issue. Open the Run command box with Windows + R. Type "services.msc" and press Enter. Locate Windows Defender Antivirus Service, right-click it, select Properties, and set the Startup Type to Automatic. Then click Start, Apply, and OK. Reboot your PC. This restart sequence will reset the service to get Defender running again.
Running an SFC Scan
Corrupted Windows system files can also prevent Windows Defender from operating correctly. To detect and restore damaged operating system files, run the System File Checker tool. Open an admin Command Prompt. Type “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter. This scan will replace any compromised files. After it finishes, restart your computer and see if Defender is working.
Updating Windows and Defender Definitions
Outdated Windows versions and antivirus definitions often underlie Defender difficulties. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install the latest cumulative updates and patches. Also open Windows Security, select Virus & Threat Protection, and click Check for Updates to get the newest malware definitions. Keeping Windows and Defender fully updated will help maintain maximum protection.
Will windows 11 help protect hybrid work?
1 New security features for Windows 11 will help protect hybrid work, David Weston. April 5, 2022. 2 DHS CISA Strategy to Fix Vulnerabilities Below the OS Among Worst Offenders, RSA Conference. May 19, 2021.
Is windows 11 secure?
With built-in chip to the cloud protection and layers of security, Windows 11 helps organizations meet the new security challenges of the hybrid workplace, now and in the future. With every release, we are making Windows more secure by default, designing new protections as we continue to power the future of business.
Checking Group Policy Settings
If your PC is managed by an organization, they may have used Group Policy to disable Windows Defender. You can verify this by opening the Run command box (Windows + R), typing “gpedit.msc” and hitting Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus. Look for policies like "Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus" that are Enabled. If your sysadmin has disabled Defender via Group Policy, you’ll need to consult with them to re-enable it.
Scanning with Portable Antivirus Tools
If you still cannot get Windows Defender operational after trying the above solutions, running a scan with a portable antivirus tool can help detect and remove malware that may be blocking Defender. Useful options include the free versions of Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, and ESET Online Scanner. These will run without installation to scan for and eliminate nasty infections. With any lurking malware deleted, Windows Defender should start working properly again.
How do I hide a virus & threat protection area?
The area won’t appear on the Virus & threat protection section of Windows Security. This area can be hidden only by using Group Policy. You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
How to fix Windows Firewall error?
Meanwhile, we would like you to refer this article: Automatically diagnose and fix problems with Windows Firewall. Also, perform the registry steps and check if that fix the issue. Click on Start Menu and type CMD, right click on CMD icon and select Run as Administrator.
Resetting Windows Security is an effective last resort if all else fails. This will clear any corrupted settings and data that could be interfering with Defender. Open Windows Security, go to Virus & Threat Protection, and click the Reset Security app arrow. Confirm the action and restart your device. Windows Defender should now be restored to factory settings.
We hope these troubleshooting techniques help you get Windows Defender Antivirus back up and keeping your system protected. Let us know in the comments if you have any other methods for resolving Defender issues on Windows 10!
References
- https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/windows-defender-not-turning-on.html
- https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/windows-defender-wont-turn-on
How to fix Windows Defender not working on Windows 10?
Close Services window. Open Windows Security settings and try to turn ‘ON‘ Windows Defender. Setting a normal startup on the computer has solved the problem for many users. 1. You can access the press Windows key+R keys together. 2. To open the System Configuration window type “msconfig” in Run window and then click on “OK“.
How to install Windows Security on Windows 10?
From the left panel, choose Apps, and now click on Apps & Features from the right. Under App list, search for Windows Security. Once you see the program, tap on the Kebab menu beside it. Here, choose Advanced options. Alternatively, you can directly search for Windows Security in the Start Menu, right-click on it, and choose App Settings.
How do I Open Windows Defender Firewall?
To open Windows Firewall, go to the Start menu, select Run , type WF.msc, and then select OK. See also Open Windows Firewall. When you open the Windows Defender Firewall for the first time, you can see the default settings applicable to the local computer.
How to stop Windows Security?
Click on the Terminate button if you wish to stop Windows Security processes. Well, you’ll find two options under Reset – Repair and Reset. We recommend repairing the antivirus first. If it doesn’t solve your issue, press the Reset button. Again, click on the Reset button to confirm.
