How Do I Turn On Windows Defender

by

When I browse through forums I often find this question asked many times – I am unable to turn on Windows Defender manually or Windows Defender won’t or will not turn on and start in Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7. If you face this issue, then this post may help you.

Unable to turn on Windows Defender

Scenario 1] One of the most common behaviors of Windows Defender is that if it detects a third-party antivirus software, then Windows Defender will shut itself off. Windows is designed to detect the presence of security software installed, and we often get to see the notification in the Action Center. One of the common issues we have seen in the past is when there are multiple security software installed. It often creates a conflict between them and in the end, it creates more trouble than doing any good. Frequent freezing, crashing to applications are some of the common issues which occur when you install more than one antivirus software.

Turn

There are a few ways that they can use Windows Defender, Windows' built-in protection for malicious software. There are a few settings you may need to change on your Windows Defender to fix any access issues. These steps may require you to go to a couple of different places on your computer. Turn on Windows Defender. In Start, open Control Panel. There are 2 easy ways to disable Windows Defender in Windows 10, here’s how: Option 1: To turn off Windows Defender in Windows Defender Security Center app. Open Windows Defender Security Center app by clicking the shield icon in the taskbar. When it has finished uninstalling Windows Defender will activate itself. Go back to Control Panel again and select 'Security and Maintenance'. In the security drop down list it should say Windows Defender is turned on. Turn Windows 10 Defender real-time protection on or off 1. Select the Start button, then select Settings Update & Security. Select Windows Defender, then turn Real-time protection on or off. Firstly, you must have an activated and licensed ve.

So to avoid this situation, Windows Defender will turn itself off when it detects another security program. Likewise, if this security application has a Firewall, then Windows Firewall will also stop working. So in case you want Windows Defender to work, then you will have to uninstall your third-party security software and reboot the system.

Often users may be unaware if security software is indeed installed or not because when you buy a new laptop, mostly it comes with a trial version of security software like Norton, McAfee, etc. Then when you install applications like Flash or Java, it might prompt you to uninstall free security scanner when most of them don’t notice. So it’s best to search your PC if you’re not sure if security software is installed or not. Once it’ removed you may need to turn it manually back on.

Type “Windows Defender” in the search box and then press Enter. Click Settings and make sure there is a checkmark on Turn on real-time protection recommend.

On Windows 10, open Windows Security > Virus protection and toggle the Real-Time Protection switch to On position.

Scenario 2] The other issues that could cause Windows Defender not to work properly is incorrect date or time on your Windows machine. Make sure you have set your Window clock & date set properly and then try to turn your Windows Defender back on and see if it works fine. It’s strange, but most of the Windows operating system functions work, based on the system date and time. So an incorrect date or time could trigger abnormal behavior in your Windows OS.

Scenario 3] Another important thing that could cause issues is, if you Windows is not up to date, in terms of Windows Update. This could cause issues in Windows Defender or any other Windows core application. When it comes to any security software, it always needs the latest signature updates and other Windows core updates to keep your PC secure. So I would highly recommend to run a complete Windows Update, then go into Windows Defender and run an update from there as well. Then see if your Windows Defender is working fine.

4] Other Common Issues: The above-discussed scenarios are the most common ones. Apart from these, there could be some minor issues that could affect the working of Windows Defender. It could be an incorrect Zone setting in Internet Explorer, which you can fix by resetting Internet Explorer to factory settings. Again, if you are using a Proxy server, Windows Defender will not be able to update.

How To Turn On Windows Defender In Windows 10

In such cases, you need to make some small changes to your Proxy server.

Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin)

Type in the following and hit Enter:

Now reboot the System and see if it works.

Finally, it could be a malware itself that’s causing Windows Defender to not to work properly. You could download and use Windows Defender Offline Tool or any other standalone antivirus software and run a complete scan.

These are some common reasons why Windows Defender does not start.

Windows Defender is turned off or not working offers some additional troubleshooting suggestions, which may also interest you.

You may also want to check out these posts which help troubleshoot Windows Defender problems:

  1. Error 0x80508020, 0x800705b4 for Windows Defender.
TIP: Download this tool to quickly find & fix Windows errors automatically

Related Posts:

Microsoft Defender
Other namesRenamed to Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 Creators Update and later
Developer(s)Microsoft
Stable release
Operating systemWindows XP and Windows Server 2003[1]
Included withWindows Vista and later
Windows Server 2008 and later
ReplacesMicrosoft Security Essentials
TypeAntivirus software on Windows 8 and later (formerly spyware removal software in Windows XP and Windows 7)
Websitewww.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-defender/

Microsoft Defender (known as Windows Defender before Windows 10 19H2 update or Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 Creators Update and later) is an anti-malware component of Microsoft Windows.[2] It was first released as a downloadable free antispyware program for Windows XP, and was later shipped with Windows Vista and Windows 7. It has evolved into a full antivirus program, replacing Microsoft Security Essentials as part of Windows 8 and later versions.[2]

  • 2History
  • 4Windows Vista-specific functionality

Basic features[edit]

Turn

Before Windows 8, Windows Defender only protected users against spyware.[3] It includes a number of real-time security agents that monitor several common areas of Windows for changes which might have been caused by spyware. It also has the ability to remove installed ActiveX software.[4] Windows Defender featured an integrated support for Microsoft SpyNet that allows users to report to Microsoft what they consider to be spyware, and what applications and device drivers they allow to be installed on their systems. Protection against viruses was subsequently added in Windows 8; which resembles Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). It also uses the same anti-malware engine and virus definitions from MSE.

In Windows 10, Windows Defender settings are controlled in the Windows Defender Security Center. In the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, a new logo is introduced and a pop-up notification will appear to announce the results of a scan, even if no viruses are found.[5]

History[edit]

Beta[edit]

Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta 1 (Version 1.0.701) running Windows XP

Windows Defender was initially based on GIANT AntiSpyware, formerly developed by GIANT Company Software, Inc. The company's acquisition was announced by Microsoft on December 16, 2004.[6][7] While the original GIANT AntiSpyware officially supported older Windows versions, support for the Windows 9x line of operating systems was later dropped by Microsoft.

How Do I Turn On Windows Defender Manually

The first beta release of Microsoft AntiSpyware from January 6, 2005 was a repackaged version of GIANT AntiSpyware[6] There were more builds released in 2005, with the last Beta 1 refresh released on November 21, 2005.

At the 2005 RSA Security conference, Bill Gates, the Chief Software Architect and co-founder of Microsoft, announced that Windows Defender (formerly Microsoft AntiSpyware prior to November 4, 2005) would be made available free-of-charge to users with validly licensed Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 operating systems to secure their systems against the increasing malware threat.[8]

Windows Defender (Beta 2) was released on February 13, 2006. It featured the program's new name and a redesigned user interface. The core engine was rewritten in C++, unlike the original GIANT-developed AntiSpyware, which was written in Visual Basic.[9] This improved the application's performance. Also, since beta 2, the program works as a Windows service, unlike earlier releases, which enables the application to protect the system even when a user is not logged on. Beta 2 also requires Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation. However, Windows Defender (Beta 2) did not contain some of the tools found in Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta 1). Microsoft removed the System Inoculation, Secure Shredder and System Explorer tools found in MSAS (Beta 1) as well as the Tracks Eraser tool, which allowed users to easily delete many different types of temporary files related to Internet Explorer 6, including HTTP cookies, web cache, and Windows Media Player playback history.[6] German and Japanese versions of Windows Defender (Beta 2) were later released by Microsoft.[10][11]

AOL Desktop allows you to manage the email, communicate in the social networks, browse the news, listen to the online radio simultaneously, etc. The software supports the full functionality of the browser component with the integrated download manager, work with tabs and safe web surfing. Download aol version 9.8.2 windows 10. Jan 03, 2017  I want to download AOL Desktop version 9.8.2 and it appears I'm forced to download AOL's new desktop called BETA, which I just uninstalled because I can't stand it. Do I have to download from a 3rd party and get other stuff they force on me? Do you have a suggestion for me, because I'm not a computer person. Apr 11, 2018  4. It's FREE & Easy - AOL Desktop is free and easy to download. With just a few clicks, you'll be up and running in no time. Don't wait another minute! Download AOL Desktop 9.7 for your PC now and take advantage of mail, chat, entertainment and much more! AOL Desktop 9.8.2 for Windows setup, download AOL Desktop 9.8.2 for Windows offline installer, download AOL Desktop 9.8.2 for Windows for free Description Stay connected with AOL Mail and chat on AIM with family and friends. Free download aol 9.8.2 download software at UpdateStar - 1,746,000 recognized programs - 5,228,000 known versions - Software News. Home; Updates; Recent Searches; download aol 9.8.2. Apple Software Update is a software tool by Apple that installs the latest version of Apple software. It was originally introduced to Mac users in Mac OS 9.

General availability[edit]

On October 24, 2006, Microsoft released Windows Defender. It supports Windows XP and Windows Server 2003; however, unlike the betas, it does not run on Windows 2000.[12]

Conversion to antivirus[edit]

Windows Defender was released with Windows Vista and Windows 7, serving as their built-in anti-spyware component. In Windows Vista and Windows 7, Windows Defender was superseded by Microsoft Security Essentials, an antivirus product from Microsoft which provided protection against a wider range of malware. Upon installation, Microsoft Security Essentials disabled and replaced Windows Defender.[13][14][15] In Windows 8, Microsoft upgraded Windows Defender into an antivirus program very similar to Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7[16] and using the same virus definition updates. MSE itself does not run on Windows versions beyond 7. In Windows 8 and Windows 10, Windows Defender is on by default. It switches itself off upon installation of a third-party anti-virus package.[17]

Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft began to transfer the control of Windows Defender out of its native client. Initially, its 'Settings' dialog box was replaced by a dedicated page in the Settings app. In Windows 10 Creators Update, Windows Defender is renamed Windows Defender Antivirus to distinguish it from Windows Defender Security Center. The latter has become the default avenue to interface with Windows Defender.[18] While there is no shortcut on the Start menu for Windows Defender's native client, it can still run.[19][20] It was later removed in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update and transferred to Windows Defender Security Center.

Advanced features[edit]

Windows Defender notification toast in Windows 8, reporting taking action to clean the EICAR test file.
Real-time protection
In the Windows Defender options, the user can configure real-time protection options.
Browser integration
Integration with Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge enables files to be scanned as they are downloaded to detect malicious software inadvertently downloaded. Although it does not integrate with non-Microsoft web browsers, Windows Defender scans for malicious downloaded files as part of its real-time protection.

Windows 10's Anniversary Update introduced Limited Periodic Scanning, which optionally allows Windows Defender to scan a system periodically if another antivirus app is installed.[5] It also introduced Block at First Sight, which uses machine learning to predict whether a file is malicious.[21]

Windows Vista-specific functionality[edit]

Windows Defender had additional functionality in Windows Vista which was removed in subsequent versions of Windows:[22]

Security agents[edit]

Security agents which monitor the computer for malicious activities:

  • Auto Start – Monitors lists of programs that are allowed to automatically run when the user starts the computer
  • System Configuration (settings) – Monitors security-related settings in Windows
  • Internet Explorer Add-ons – Monitors programs that automatically run when the user starts Internet Explorer
  • Internet Explorer Configurations (settings) – Monitors browser security settings
  • Internet Explorer Downloads – Monitors files and programs that are designed to work with Internet Explorer
  • Services and Drivers – Monitors services and drivers as they interact with Windows and programs
  • Application Execution – Monitors when programs start and any operations they perform while running
  • Application Registration – Monitors tools and files in the operating system where programs can register to run at any time
  • Windows Add-ons – Monitors add-on programs for Windows

Software Explorer[edit]

The Advanced Tools section allows users to discover potential vulnerabilities with a series of Software Explorers. They provide views of startup programs, currently running software, network connected applications, and Winsock providers (Winsock LSPs). In each Explorer, every element is rated as either 'Known', 'Unknown' or 'Potentially Unwanted'. The first and last categories carry a link to learn more about the particular item, and the second category invites users to submit the program to Microsoft SpyNet for analysis by community members.[23][24] The Software Explorer feature has been removed from Windows Defender in Windows 7.[25]

Notification of startup programs that run as an administrator[edit]

Windows Defender in Windows Vista automatically blocks all startup items that require administrator privileges to run (this is considered suspicious behavior for a startup item). This automatic blocking is related to the User Account Control functionality in Windows Vista, and requires users to manually run each of these startup items each time they log in if they desire the item to run at startup.[26]

User interface[edit]

In Windows Vista, it is possible to close the window and have the program run in the system tray while a scan is running. However, in Windows 7, this functionality was removed and the window must remain open while a scan is running.

Windows Defender Offline[edit]

Windows Defender Offline (formerly known as Standalone System Sweeper)[27] is a bootable standalone anti-malware program that runs from a bootable disk designed to scan infected systems while their operating systems are offline.[28] Since Windows 10 Anniversary Update, the offline functionality is integrated into the regular Windows Defender program as well.

Mitigated security vulnerability[edit]

On May 5, 2017, Tavis Ormandy, a vulnerability researcher from Google, discovered a security vulnerability in the JavaScript analysis module (NScript) of Microsoft Antimalware Engine (MsMpEngine) that impacted Windows Defender, Microsoft Security Essentials and System Center Endpoint Protection. By May 8, 2017, Microsoft had released a patch to all affected systems. Ars Technica commended Microsoft for its unprecedented patching speed and said that the disaster had been averted.[29][30]

Reviews[edit]

During the December 2017 test of various anti-malware software carried out by AV-TEST on Windows 10 platform, Windows Defender has earned 6 out of 6 points in detection rate of various malware samples, earning its 'AV-TEST Certified' seal.[31] Also, during February 2018 'Real-World Protection Test' performed by AV-Comparatives, Windows Defender has achieved 100% detection rate of malicious URL samples, along with 3 false positive results.[32]

How Do I Turn On Windows Defender Antivirus

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^'Windows Defender'. Download Center. Microsoft. 23 May 2007. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012.
  2. ^ ab'What is Windows Defender?'. Computer Hope. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  3. ^Shultz, Greg. 'Windows Defender: Past, present, and future'. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  4. ^'How to Remove an Active-X Control in Windows'. Microsoft. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  5. ^ ab'What's new in Windows Defender for Windows 10 Anniversary Update'. windowscentral.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  6. ^ abcThurrot, Paul (6 October 2010). 'Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware Preview: Paul Thurott's SuperSite for Windows'. SuperSite for Windows. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  7. ^'Microsoft Acquires Anti-Spyware Leader GIANT Company'. PressPass. Microsoft. 16 December 2004. Retrieved 11 November 2009.
  8. ^'Gates Highlights Progress on Security, Outlines Next Steps for Continued Innovation'. PressPass. Microsoft Corporation. 15 February 2005. Retrieved 11 November 2009.
  9. ^Thurrott, Paul (14 February 2006). 'Windows Defender Beta 2 Review: Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows'. SuperSite for Windows. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  10. ^'Windows Defender: Startseite' (in German). Microsoft Corporation. Archived from the original on 30 January 2009. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  11. ^'マイクロソフト セキュリティ At Home' (in Japanese). Microsoft Corporation. Archived from the original on 18 January 2010. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  12. ^Thurrott, Paul (24 October 2006). 'Finally, Microsoft Ships Windows Defender'. Windows IT Pro. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  13. ^Thurrott, Paul (18 June 2009). 'Microsoft Security Essentials Public Beta'. Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  14. ^Hau, Kevin (23 June 2009). 'Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials'. Microsoft Answers. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  15. ^Marius, Marius Oiaga (30 August 2010). 'Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 and 2.0 Disable Windows Defender'. Softpedia. SoftNews NET SRL. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  16. ^Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Set Up Windows 8 with the Web Installer
  17. ^'Protect your PC'. Support (12 ed.). Microsoft. 8 September 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
  18. ^Lich, Brian (18 May 2017). 'Windows Defender Antivirus in the Windows Defender Security Center app'. docs.microsoft.com. Microsoft.
  19. ^Popa, Bogdan (24 August 2017). 'Quick Tip: Use the Old Windows Defender in Windows 10 Creators Update'. Softpedia. SoftNews.
  20. ^Williams, Wayne (24 August 2017). 'How to get the classic Windows Defender back on Windows 10 Creators Update'. BetaNews.
  21. ^'How to enable Windows 10's Block at First Sight protection in Windows Defender'. betanews.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  22. ^'Protect Your PC with New Security Features in Windows Vista'. Microsoft. November 2006. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  23. ^'Using Software Explorer in Windows Defender'. Support. Microsoft. Archived from the original on 14 October 2009. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  24. ^O'Reilly, Dennis (22 April 2008). 'Software Explorer keeps unneeded apps from auto-starting'. CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  25. ^Thurrott, Paul (6 October 2010). 'Windows 7 Annoyances'. Supersite for Windows. Penton. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  26. ^'Error message when you start a Windows Vista-based computer: 'Windows has blocked some startup programs''. Support. Microsoft. 23 September 2011. Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  27. ^Whitney, Lance. 'Utility Spotlight: Repair Your PC Infection'. technet.microsoft.com. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  28. ^'Help protect my PC with Windows Defender Offline'. support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  29. ^Anthony, Sebastian (9 May 2017). 'Massive vulnerability in Windows Defender leaves most Windows PCs vulnerable'. Ars Technica. Condé Nast.
  30. ^'Microsoft Security Advisory 4022344'. TechNet. Microsoft. 8 May 2017.
  31. ^'The best antivirus software for Windows Home User'. AV-TEST.org. AV-TEST. 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  32. ^'Real-World Protection Test'(PDF). AV-Comparatives.com. AV-Comparatives. 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.

How Do I Turn On Windows Defender Security Center

External links[edit]

How Do I Turn On Windows Defender In Windows 8.1

Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Windows_Defender&oldid=919742640'