Is your Windows Defender not turning on?
Are you looking for full solutions to get rid of this issue?
We will also introduce a professional backup software for PC protection.
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It can offer real-time protection from various threats like spyware, malware, and viruses to your PC.
Once it scans and finds potential threats, this program will stop them.
Try solutions in this post now.

For Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, it is fairly common.
Well then, what to do if you are troubled by Windows Defender not working?
How to turn on Windows Defender in Windows 8/10/7 successfully?
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Get the full solutions from the following part to help you out.
Windows Security missing in Windows 11/10 is a common issue on your PC after an update.
If you meet it, try these solutions here to easily fix it.
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Thus, the first thing it’s possible for you to try is to disable your other security programs.
This post shows you multiple methods for this work.
If that has crapped out, the best way is to completely remove them.

Step 1: ClickWinandRkeys on your keyboard to launch theRunbox.
Step 2: Inputservices.mscin the box and pressEnter.
Step 3: In the Services interface, search forSecurity Centerservice and right-punch it to choose theRestartoption.

Once this service is restarted, you could peek if the issue -Windows Defender not starting is solved.
So, it’s possible for you to perform anSFC scan.
How to scan your system files and repair missing or corrupted files?

Here are the steps.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, typesfc /scannowcommand line and press theEnterkey.
Then, this utility will begin a system scan.
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This process will take some time, so c’mon wait patiently until verification reaches 100%.
Step 3: Later, exit the CMD window to check whether Windows Defender unexpected error is resolved.
for fix the issue of Windows Defender Antivirus not turning on, you could try usingDISMscan instead.

To do that, follow the guide:
Step 1: Run Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: In the pop-up window, enterDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand hitEnterto execute this command line.
Similarly, this scan will take some time, just wait and dont interrupt it.
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Do you know how to recover lost files after Windows update?
This post shows you several methods to get them back.
Now, get MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition on your rig and then install it for file backup.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 1: Run MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial.
Then go toDestinationto choose the place where it’s crucial that you save the backup.
Here an external hard drive, USB drive, NAS, etc.

Step 3: After finishing all the selections, click theBack Up Nowbutton to start the backup operation.
In addition, it’s possible for you to take full advantage of theSyncfeature to synchronize your important files.
This tutorial How to Sync Folders Windows 10 to External Drive?

3 Tools Are Hereshows you detailed operating steps.
Upgrade Windows OS
Now, it is time for you to plant the latest Windows operating system.
How to perform a Windows update?

Here is the guide:
Step 1: In Windows 7, go toControl Paneland clickWindows Update.
In Windows 8, go toControl Panel > System and Security > Windows Update.
In Windows 10, navigate toSettings > Update & securityto enter the Windows Update interface.

In Windows 11, go toSettings > Windows Update.
Step 2: ClickCheck for updates.
If there are available updates, install them and cycle your PC.

After completing Windows updates, the problem of Windows Defender not turning on maybe disappeared.
This can be a problem but you are able to fix it simply by changing the group policy.
Step 2: Typegpedit.mscand press theOKbutton.
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Step 4: In the right pane, double-click onTurn off Windows DefenderAntivirus.
Step 5: In the pop-up window, chooseNot Configured, click theApplyandOKbutton.
Then, you might change it to fix this issue.

Step 1: Inputregeditin the text box of theRunwindow.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
Step 3: FindDisableAntiSpywarekey.
If this key is not listed, hey right-poke the blank, chooseNewandDWORD (32-bit) Valueto create it.
Step 4: Right-select it and set itsValue datato0.
These applications can cause software conflicts and interfere with Windows.
As a result, you cant turn on Windows Defender in Windows 11/10/8/7.
To repair the Windows Defender issue, you could perform aclean boot.
Step 2: In the System Configuration interface, go to theGeneraltab, chooseSelective startupand uncheckLoad startup items.
Step 3: Under theServicestab, tickHide all Microsoft servicesand clickDisable all.
Step 4: Click theOKandRestartbutton to reboot your PC.
Now, all of the possible ways to fix Windows Defender not turning on have been shown to you.
Just try them one by one to fix Windows Defender in Windows 11/10/8/7.
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If Windows 11 Defender keeps turning off, what should you do to fix it?
Find multiple ways from this post here to help you out now.
MiniTool ShadowMaker, one of the best backup software for Windows 11/10/8/7 users, is really worth recommending.
Are you interested in this backup software?
Now get MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition (30 days trial) from the following button.
Next, just click theBack up Nowbutton to execute the operation in theManagepage.
In addition, you might choose the entire system disk to create a hard drive image.
Or go toToolspage to use itsClone Diskfeature to perform a disk cloning for backup.
Related article:How to Clone a Hard Drive to SSD in Windows 11/10/8/7?
Bottom Line
Cant turn on Windows Defender Windows 10/11/8/7?
How to turn on Windows Defender in Windows 11/10/8/7?