Windows Defender Not Working? There are seven fixes to try

Microsoft’s Windows Defender makes sure your computer is protected Various threats. Your computer becomes more vulnerable to various types of malware and viruses if this tool is not working. How to fix Defender problem.

Third-party antivirus programs are a common cause of Defender not working. Corrupt system files and an out-of-date Windows version are other reasons Defender stops working. Here are the steps needed to activate Defender on your PC.

Note: It’s not recommended to install more than one antivirus application. Many won’t work correctly if you do. To strengthen your protections, however, you could use antimalware software (like Malwarebytes), along with Windows Defender.

You’re likely to have already tried basic solutions, such as restarting your computer and running Defender again. You can resolve the issue using these methods.

1. Update the Windows Operating System

Windows Defender can be affected by a bug that isn’t being addressed in its software. One way to fix most Microsoft-acknowledged bugs is by Update your Windows System.

Your computer receives bug fixes when you upgrade. These fix various problems with the system. You may also receive new features if you update Windows.

1. Launch Settings By pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Update & Security In Setting.
3. Choose Windows Update Please click the link.
4. Select Check for updates You can find it on the right.

5. Make sure to install the latest updates.
6. Restart your computer.

2. Reset Windows Security

If Windows Defender stops working or behaves strangely, you should reset the Windows Security App as your first problem-solving step. It is important because Defender is part Windows Security. This will resolve many minor problems.

You can reset the app to delete all data saved.

1. Open Start, Windows Security, App settings.
2. Scroll down and click on the appropriate option Reset.

3. Choose Reset Enter the prompt.

4. Launch the following command to restart your PC Start, Power Icon, and selecting Restart.
5. Open Windows Security Windows Defender can be enabled or started.

3. Uninstall the Third-Party Antivirus Program

Windows Defender is turned off when there are no users third-party antivirus Your computer is being used by an antivirus program. To see if Defender is still running, you can uninstall your antivirus software.

Remove a Third-Party Antivirus Program

An antivirus program can be removed in the same way as other Windows applications.

1. Open Settings By pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps In Setting.
3. Select your antivirus from the following list.
4. Select Uninstall.

5. Choose Uninstall Enter the prompt.
6. Reboot your computer.

Launch the program when your computer turns on Windows Security Test Defender to confirm that it is running. You can also try deleting the files from your antivirus to resolve the issue.

Delete a Third-Party Antivirus’ Leftover Files

Microsoft published an article titled Check out this list of tools to clean up after a spill There are several tools that can be used to completely remove antivirus programs from your computer. These tools allow you to dig into the directories of your computer, locate files that are associated with antivirus software, and then delete them.

To get rid of the leftover files from your anti-virus tool, use the tool that is available on the PC. After you have finished, restart your computer.

4. Restart the Security Center Service

Windows makes use of a number of services in order to run your PC’s functions. The Security Center service that is connected to Windows Defender is one example. This service can be turned off or switched on to fix your problem.

1. Open Run By pressing Windows + R.
2. Enter the following information and hit “Enter” Enter: : services.msc
3. Find Security Center You can find the complete service list to the right.

4. Right-click Security Center Choose and make your choice Restart.

5. Turn On Windows Defender From Registry or Group Policy Editor

Try the Windows Registry alternative if you are having trouble activating Windows Defender via the Windows Security App Editor for Local Group Policy Click here to activate this too.

If you are running Windows Home edition, use the Windows Registry method. Use the Local Group Policy editor method if you are on the Pro or Enterprise edition.

Activate Windows Defender From Windows Registry

1. Press Windows + R To open Run, Enter: : regedit
2. Select Yes In the User Account Control prompt.
3. Continue on the following route Registry Editor: :
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
4. Access the DisableAntiSpyware Entry on the right. You can create this entry by clicking anywhere you see it blank, and then right-clicking New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

5. Enter 0 In the Value data Select the field OK.

6. Close Registry Editor.

Windows Defender can now be enabled on your personal computer.

Turn On Windows Defender From Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open Run By pressing Windows + R, Enter: : gpedit.msc
2. You can follow the path below Local Group Policy Editor: :
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus
3. Open the Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus You can enter from the righ.

4. Select Disabled Choose and make your choice Apply Then, follow by OK At the botto.

5. Close Local Group Policy Editor.

Windows Defender has been activated.

6. Perform a Clean Boot on Your Windows PC

Windows Defender might not work because your installed apps cause interference. That can be checked by Start your computer by cleaning it, The following command will only load the necessary system files in order to turn on your computer.

You can activate and use Defender after you have clean booted your computer. This means that one of your installed applications is the problem. If this happens, you should manually check your apps list and delete any suspicious ones.

7. Fix Windows’ Corrupt System Files

Windows system files can become corrupted and cause unexpected problems on your computer, such as Defender not working. Windows has a tool you can use for this purpose Find and repair all faulty files in your system You can do this by going to your computer.

1. Right-click Start Choose and make your choice Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Select Yes In the User Account Control prompt.
3. Click the Command Prompt to type and then press Enter: : DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   

4. You must wait for the command’s execution to complete.
5. Then, execute the following comman: sfc /scannow
   

6. Wait until the command is complete to fix any files that are not working.

Fix the Broken Windows Defender Tool on Your Computer

Windows Defender ensures your data’s safety, so it is important to make sure Windows Defender runs. The tool can sometimes experience problems and not work properly. You can use the following methods to fix the problem.

After you have fixed the problem, it’s possible to fix it again Run a complete scan Make sure you are not exposing your computer to any threat.