Quick Resolution | Windows Defender Not Functioning

Quick Navigation:

• 1. Why Windows Defender Isn't Working on Your PC
• 2. How to Get Windows Defender Working Again (7 Effective Solutions!)
• 3. Dual Protection: Ensure Data Integrity Even Against Viruses and Other Threats

Is Windows Defender not functioning on your computer? Let's troubleshoot and determine what's hindering it.

Windows Defender is an antivirus software built into our Windows operating systems. This Microsoft-developed Defender has become one of the leading and top-rated antiviruses available today. It is swift, efficient, and does not require a separate purchase.

However, the issue arises when it occasionally malfunctions. Numerous users have reported over the years that the tool may cease functioning, resulting in the error of Windows Defender not turning on. The problem does not lie with the tool itself, but rather with certain computers, operating systems, or missing files.

Alright, let's discover the steps you can take to resolve the issue if your Windows Defender is not functioning properly.

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Why Isn't Windows Defender Working on Your Computer?

Windows Defender not working can have various reasons. A straightforward explanation could be that real-time protection has been disabled.

However, this is seldom the issue. There could be a few other, more likely and common reasons behind it, such as:

1. An outdated Windows operating system or Antivirus database
2. Disabled or malfunctioning Windows services
3. Third-party utilities or antivirus applications blocking Windows Defender
4. A tool or software installation that potentially disabled Windows Defender
5. Corrupted system files or failed Windows Update
6. System restart, shutdown, or power failure during a Windows or database update

These are some of the most common issues that can cause Windows Defender to stop functioning. Hence, it's essential to check for these before proceeding with the rest of the tutorial.

Is Windows Defender Sufficient to Protect My PC? Find the Best Answer Here

 For Windows security, you can either invest in the best antivirus software available or opt for a free option like Windows Defender.

How do I get Windows Defender to work again?

If you're consistently experiencing issues with Windows Defender not functioning properly on your computer, there are several steps you can take to try and restore its functionality. As previously mentioned, there could be various reasons for its malfunction.

If you've attempted to reset Defender but haven't found a solution yet, you can try the seven fixes we've assembled. Let's explore what they entail.

• Solution 1: Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus
• Solution 2: Reset Windows Security
• Solution 3: Modify Local Group Policy Editor
• Solution 4: Edit the Registry
• Solution 5: Perform a System Scan & DISM Repair
• Solution 6: Update the Operating System
• Solution 7: Attempt a Clean Boot

Fix 1: Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software

The initial step you should take is to uninstall any third-party antivirus software. Given the effectiveness of Windows Defender, there's no need for an additional program. Here's how you proceed:

Step 1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard > Click on the Settings gear icon.

Step 2. Go to Apps

Step 3. Tap on Apps & Features from the side menu > Scroll down and locate the antivirus program you wish to uninstall.

Tap Apps and Features

Step 4. Click on Uninstall to remove the third-party antivirus software.

This will ensure that no other program interferes with Windows Defender, and it is most likely to get it running again.

Fix 2: Reset Windows Security

If you've never had an antivirus and your Windows Defender isn't functioning, you can resolve the issue by resetting the Windows Security app. Here's how to proceed: 1. Press the 'Windows key + I' on your keyboard to open the Settings app. 2. In the Settings window, click on 'Update & Security.' 3. From the left pane, select 'Windows Security.' 4. Once the Windows Security window opens, click on 'Troubleshoot' located on the right side. 5. Scroll down and find 'Windows Defender Firewall' and 'Windows Security Scanner' (Windows Defender). Click on each one and then run the troubleshooter by clicking on 'Run the troubleshooter.' 6. Follow the on-screen instructions for both troubleshooters to complete the process. 7. After finishing the troubleshooters, restart your computer. 8. Now, open the Windows Security app again and check if the issue with Windows Defender has been resolved. If the problem persists, you might need to perform a more extensive reset of the Windows Security app. To do this: 1. Press 'Windows key + X' and choose 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' or 'Command Prompt (Admin)' from the context menu. 2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter: ``` MsiExec.exe /I{D850A623-2C6B-424B-88E5-37C98F29FDE8} ``` 3. Wait for the process to finish, which may take a few minutes. 4. Restart your computer. 5. After the restart, the Windows Security app should be reset, and Windows Defender should be functioning correctly. If the issue still continues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Step 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and then browse the app menu in the Start Menu.

Step 2. Scroll down until you locate Windows Security > Click on More options > Then click on App & browser control

Click "App Settings".

Step 3. Scroll down until you locate the Reset option, and then click on it.

This will fix any issues or potential problems and allow you to run Windows Defender again.

Fix 3: Modify the Local Group Policy Editor

You need to verify that your Group Policy settings are unchanged. Occasionally, updates can alter these settings, leading to Windows Defender malfunctioning. Here's how to rectify the issue:

Step 1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard > Type “gpedit.msc” in the Run command.

Step 2. Click on Computer Configuration > Navigate to Administrative Templates > Select Windows Components.

Step 3. Scroll down until you locate Windows Defender Antivirus.

Step 4. Navigate to Windows Defender Antivirus > Scroll down and locate Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus, then click on it.

Step 5. Select Disabled in the configuration section > Click Apply, then OK.

In the Configuration section, the "Pick" option is disabled.

And that's it. This ensures that the Group Policy Editor is not preventing Windows Defender from running, allowing it to function properly once again.

Fix 4. Modify the Registry

If your Windows Defender is still not functioning, you can attempt to activate it through the Windows Registry. Here's the procedure: 1. **Open Registry Editor**: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type "regedit" and press Enter. A User Account Control prompt may appear; confirm to proceed. 2. **Navigate to the Defender Key**: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender` 3. **Create a New DWORD Value**: If the "Windows Defender" key doesn't exist, right-click on the "Policies" folder, select "New," and then "Key." Name the new key "Windows Defender." 4. **Create DisableAntiSpyware Value**: Next, right-click on the "Windows Defender" key, select "New," and then "DWORD (32-bit) Value." Name this value "DisableAntiSpyware." 5. **Set the Value Data**: Double-click on "DisableAntiSpyware" to edit its properties. Change the "Value data" to "0" (zero) if it's not already set. This enables Windows Defender. 6. **Restart Your Computer**: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. 7. **Verify Windows Defender Status**: After restarting, check if Windows Defender is now enabled by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. It should show as active. Please note that editing the Registry can be risky, so make sure to create a system restore point or backup your registry before making any changes. Additionally, if you're not comfortable with these steps, seek assistance from a knowledgeable person or professional.

Step 1. Press Windows key + R and type Regedit.

Step 2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender.

You can simply copy and paste the aforementioned address into the top search bar.

Step 3. Locate the DWORD value named DisableAntivirus > Double click it and set the value to 0.

Step 4. Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

This will most likely ensure that your Windows Defender runs again.

Fix 5: Perform a System Scan & DISM Repair

Windows 10 Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is an integrated command-line tool that performs scanning and repair tasks on system images. It enables the operating system to scan for and download any required files to rectify errors within Windows. Here's how you can utilize it to fix Windows Defender:

Step 1. Press Windows+R, type CMD, and then select Open As Administrator.

Step 2. In CMD, type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth" > Allow the scan to run.

This will scan for any errors or issues with Windows Defender, then download and repair any problematic files. Since our computer didn't have any issues, it displayed, "No component store corruption detected." Your results might vary accordingly.

Fix 6: Update the Operating System

If your Windows is not up-to-date, it could be the reason why Windows Defender is not functioning properly. Here's how you can make sure your system is updated: 1. Click on the Start button. 2. Select "Settings" (the gear icon). 3. In the Settings window, choose "Update & Security." 4. On the left side of the window, click "Check for updates." 5. Windows will now search for any available updates. 6. If there are updates available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install them. 7. Once the updates are installed, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. After updating your system, check if Windows Defender is working correctly.

Step 1. Go to System Settings > Proceed to Update & Security > Click on Check for updates.

Step 2. Allow the update to run and wait for it to prompt you to restart.

This will also update your antivirus database and get it working again.

Next up, try a clean boot.

A clean boot refers to starting your Windows system without any additional programs interfering with the default software. You can achieve this by utilizing either the Task Manager or System Configuration. Here's how to perform a clean boot using both methods: 1. Using Task Manager: - Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open Task Manager. - Click on the "Startup" tab. - Disable all the applications listed in the Startup tab. These applications usually start automatically when you boot your computer. - Restart your computer. This will start Windows with minimal background processes. 2. Using System Configuration (msconfig): - Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box. - Type "msconfig" and press Enter to open System Configuration. - Go to the "General" tab, and under "Boot," select "Safe Boot" and choose "Minimal" or "Network" options, depending on whether you need network access during the boot process. - Next, go to the "Services" tab, check the "Hide all Microsoft services" box, and then click "Disable All." - Click "Apply," followed by "OK." - A message will prompt you to restart your computer. Click "Restart" to proceed with the clean boot. - After the restart, Windows will start with only essential services running. Remember to re-enable your startup apps and services once you've completed troubleshooting or whatever task required the clean boot. To do this, follow the same steps but reverse the disabling process.

Step 1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager > Click on the Startup tab.

Step 2. Disable all unnecessary applications except for Windows Defender.

But, before you do that, you need to figure out the System Configuration as well. Here's how:

Step 1. Press Windows key + R and type msconfig in the Run command > Navigate to the Services tab.

Step 2. Check Hide all Microsoft services > Click Disable all > Click Apply, then OK.

Step 3. Restart your computer

This will ensure that only Windows Defender starts up when you boot into Windows.

Dual Protection: Ensure Your Data Remains Intact Despite Viruses and Other Threats

Once Windows Defender resumes its operation, you can rest assured that your data is safe from loss. While Windows Defender safeguards your computer from malicious content, it's essential to back up your crucial data from viruses and other threats. For this purpose, you may require the help of a third-party application, and there's no better choice for backing up important data than Todo Backup tools. Among various backup solutions, this tool excels in efficiency and reliability.

But how precisely does it safeguard your data from malicious content? It boasts a distinctive feature known as the Tools Security Zone. This enables you to keep your files secure from any external malicious threats. While Windows Defender protects your computer, Tools Todo Backup ensures the safety of your crucial data. The security zone created by this program remains undetected or unidentifiable by viruses.

Thus, even if your computer is attacked by viruses, your data remains unharmed. You can follow the steps below to learn how to use the Todo Backup tool:

Step 1. Choose Backup Contents

On the main window, click the big question mark button to select backup contents. You can choose to back up individual files, entire disk or partition, operating system and emails.

Step 2. Choose Security Zone as Backup Destination

When choosing a backup destination, you'll see the option for Security Zone. Click on it and utilize it as your backup location.

However, if you're the first to use the Security Zone feature, Todo Backup will prompt you to create one. Click "Create Security Zone".

Select a partition with enough free space for your backups, then click "Continue".

You can adjust the partition size for the secure zone. Click "Create" to finish.

Step 3. Execute the backup task

Click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. Your OS, files, drives, and mail backups in the Secure Zone will be fully protected from being viewed or corrupted by viruses, ransomware, and trojans.

Conclusion

Here's how you can restore your computer's security by getting Windows Defender back up and running. Additionally, you can use a tool like Todo Backup to safeguard your files in case Windows Defender becomes non-functional.