Window Defender is a great built-in app for Windows to protect your computer against Malware, Virus, Spyware, and other third-party software that can infect your computer. Malware can be installed automatically without your permission and may infect your computer. It can be installed from the internet, USB drive, DVD, CD or any other removable Media.
If Windows Defender is enabled and working correctly then this will protect you from harmful things in two different ways:
Real-Time Protection: Defender will notify you when any unwanted software or malware tries to install on your computer and also informs you when any software tries to change any important settings.
Any time scanning: Defender automatically scans your computer regularly and also gives you options to examine as you set schedule.
How Does Windows Defender Get Disabled
When your computer infected by any malware or virus, then this may disable every app or functionality (like Windows Defender, Task Manager, Windows Registry, Group Policy Editor, etc.) on your computer that you can use to remove harmful stuff. When you try to open Windows Defender from the control panel or directly from Run command. It gives you an error “This app is turned off by group policy.”
In that case, you have to make some changes in your computer using gpedit (Group Policy Editor). Follow the instruction below to enable Windows Defender.
Enable Windows Defender from Group Policy
- First logged in as an administrator. Press Windows+R keys from the keyboard, type gpedit.msc in Run Window and hit Enter.
- In Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit) find this location Local Computer Policy > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender.
- Click on Windows Defender in the left-panel. Now, find out Turn off Windows Defender setting in right-panel.
- Double click on it to open, a new window will show Windows Defender settings, select Disable and hit OK button. This will disable the Turn off Windows Defender option means Defender is enabled to run.
Now, try to open Windows Defender, and you should no longer get This app turned off… message. From Group Policy Editor you can enable or disable different Windows operating system options easily, options like Disable Windows 10 Updates, Enable Task Manager and lot more.
View Comments (30)
Thanks this helped me beat a virus
When I do this I get "windows cannot find gpedit.msc". So I cant get into the editor. What can I do? I cant find the answer anywhere.
Thanks!
I heard that Windows 10 Home edition user can’t access gpedit.msc
Works on windows 10
Thank you so much
Another place to check is in the registry. Open regedit and go to HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender and if DisableAntiSpyware exists, either delete it or change its value from 1 to 0.
It says cant change its value...What shd I do?
thanks its helpful...
Thank you Mr. David. Now Windows Defender is working fine.
Thanks David. Worked on my Windows 8.1
Thanks, this really helped me start the defender. David, it helped me with my Win 10 OS.
Hey i cant find my registry and when i put in regedit it says it cant find it......
Press the windows key... search Run... then enter regedit and click ok.. this will open ur registry editor
THANKS FOR SUPPORT...
thank you very much
Hi there, when I go under windows components Windows Defender does not show up. Help?
Followed all the steps but Defender is still disabled despite everything being enabled.