Simple Solution To Fix Windows Defender Not Working

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Windows Defender Not Working

Microsoft Defender or Window Defender is one of the best real-time antivirus software that ensures your Windows computer is protected from all kinds of threats. This antivirus software is installed by default in the Windows 8 and 10 operating systems. However, when you install third-party software on your Windows computer, Windows Defender will be disabled automatically. If the issue Windows Defender not working on your computer persist, perform the simple and quick methods given below.

Method 1: Restart The Windows Computer

Most users have found that Windows Defender not turning on issue can be resolved by restarting the computer. Based on your Windows OS type, the restarting process might vary.

For Windows 10

  • Open the Start menu.
  • Click the Power button.
  • From the list, select the Restart or Reboot option.
  • Now, your Windows 10 computer will start to reboot.

For Windows 8

  • Move your mouse cursor over the Charms bar.
  • Select the Settings option followed by Power.
  • Click on the Restart button.
  • If the option Restart Anyway is displayed on the screen, then click on it to continue the restart process.

Method 2: Disable The Third-party Antivirus

If you have any third-party antivirus software on your Windows computer, disable it temporarily to resolve this issue.

  • Locate the antivirus software icon on the taskbar.
  • Now, select and right-click on the icon.
  • Select the Disable option.
  • Click Yes to continue the disable process.

Now, check whether the Windows Defender not working problem resolved. If not, perform the next method given below.

Method 3: Clean Boot Your Windows Computer

The Clean Boot process helps you make sure that third-party software is not blocking the Windows Defender application from working properly.

  • Initially, make sure that you have signed in to your Windows computer with admin rights.
  • Now, click in the Search field from the taskbar.
  • Type msconfig and tap Enter.
  • Select the System Configuration option from the result.
  • Go to the Services tab.
  • Select the Hide all Microsoft services option and click on the Disable all button.
  • Now, go to the Startup tab of the System Configuration window and click on the Open Task Manager option.
  • Click the Startup tab in the Task Manager dialog box.
  • Select and disable all the items available in the Startup tab.
  • Click the Task Manager and System Configuration windows.

Now, restart your Windows computer and check whether the Windows Defender not working issue is resolved. If still the issue persist, contact us to get remote assistance in resolving this issue.