Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus and anti-malware solution provided by Microsoft for Windows operating systems. It plays a crucial role in protecting your computer from various security threats, including viruses, malware, and spyware. However, there may be instances when Windows Defender won’t turn on, leaving your system vulnerable to potential threats. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most common reasons behind this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it in USA.
Table of Contents
Ensure Windows is Up to Date
Check for Third-Party Antivirus Software
Restart Windows Defender Services
Use the Windows Security Troubleshooter
Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Reset Windows Security Settings
Repair Windows System Files
Perform a Clean Boot
Check for Malware Infections
Reinstall Windows Defender
Consider Third-Party Antivirus Solutions
Conclusion
Ensure Windows is Up to Date
One of the most common reasons for Windows Defender not turning on is outdated Windows software turning windows defender back on. To ensure your operating system is up to date, follow these steps:
a. Press the “Windows + I” keys simultaneously to open the Settings app in USA.
b. Navigate to “Update & Security” and click on “Windows Update.”
c. Click on “Check for updates” and let Windows download and install any available updates.
d. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.
Check for Third-Party Antivirus Software
Having multiple antivirus programs installed on your computer can lead to conflicts and prevent Windows Defender from starting. To check for and uninstall third-party antivirus software:
a. Open the “Control Panel” by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
b. Navigate to “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
c. Look for any third-party antivirus software (e.g., Norton, McAfee) and uninstall it.
d. Restart your computer after uninstallation.
Restart Windows Defender Services
Sometimes, Windows Defender services may stop running, causing it to not turn on. To restart these services:
a. Press “Windows + R” keys to open the Run dialog box in USA.
b. Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
c. Locate the following services:
– Windows Defender Antivirus Service
– Windows Defender Firewall
d. Right-click on each service, select “Properties,” and set the Startup type to “Automatic.”
e. Click “Start” to restart the service and then click “Apply” and “OK.”
f. Restart your computer.
Use the Windows Security Troubleshooter
Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix issues with various system components, including Windows Defender. Here’s how to use the Windows Security Troubleshooter:
a. Open the “Settings” app (Windows + I).
b. Go to “Update & Security” and select “Troubleshoot” from the left panel turning windows defender back on.
c. Scroll down and click on “Windows Security.”
d. Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions to resolve any detected issues in USA.
Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) can interfere with Windows Defender’s functionality. Use the following steps to remove them:
a. Download and install a reputable anti-malware program (e.g., Malwarebytes).
b. Run a full system scan to detect and remove any PUPs.
c. Restart your computer.
Reset Windows Security Settings
Resetting Windows Security settings can help resolve issues with Windows Defender. Here’s how to do it:
a. Open the “Settings” app.
b. Go to “Update & Security” and select “Windows Security.”
c. Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
d. Scroll down and click “Manage settings” under “Virus & threat protection settings.”
e. Click “Restore settings to their default values” and confirm the action.
Repair Windows System Files
Corrupted system files can cause Windows Defender to malfunction. To repair these files:
a. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges by searching for “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right-clicking on “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.”
b. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
c. Wait for the scan to complete turning windows defender back on, and follow any on-screen instructions to repair system files.
d. Restart your computer.
Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot can help identify and eliminate software conflicts that might be preventing Windows Defender from turning on. Follow these steps:
a. Press “Windows + R” to open the Run dialog box.
b. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
c. In the “General” tab, select “Selective startup” and uncheck “Load startup items.”
d. Go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and click “Disable all.”
e. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
f. Restart your computer and check if Windows Defender can now be turned on.
Check for Malware Infections
Malware infections can disable Windows Defender turning windows defender back on. Use a reputable malware scanner to check for and remove malware:
a. Download and install a trusted anti-malware program.
b. Run a full system scan to detect and remove any malware.
c. Restart your computer.
Reinstall Windows Defender
If all else fails, you can try reinstalling Windows Defender. Note that this process involves using PowerShell, so be cautious and follow these steps carefully:
a. Search for “PowerShell” in the Windows search bar, right-click on “Windows PowerShell,” and select “Run as administrator.”
b. Copy and paste the following command into the PowerShell window and press Enter:
go
“`powershell
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsDefender* | Remove-AppxPackage
“`
c. After the command completes, restart your computer.
d. Windows Defender should be reinstalled automatically. Verify if it can now be turned on turning windows defender back on.
Consider Third-Party Antivirus Solutions
If you’ve exhausted all options and Windows Defender still won’t turn on turning windows defender back on, you may consider using a reputable third-party antivirus program as an alternative. Ensure that it’s up to date and performs regular scans to keep your system secure in USA.
Conclusion
Windows Defender is a crucial component of Windows operating systems, and ensuring it functions correctly is essential for your computer’s security. If you encounter issues with Windows Defender not turning on, this comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and resolving the problem. By following these steps, you can regain the protection that Windows Defender offers and keep your system safe from various security threats in USA.