If you are unable to activate Windows Defender Firewall, your machine could be compromised.
Listed below are several feasible solutions you could try when Microsoft Defender Firewall does not start.
After that, look to see if you are able to turn on Windows Firewall.
Step 1.Open Windows Servicesby using the Windows search box.
In the Services window, scroll down to find and double-clickWindows Defender Firewall.
In the new window, under theGeneraltab, check whether its services status isRunning.
If the Windows Defender Firewall service is disabled, click theStartbutton to enable it.
Duplicate this process for theWindows Defender Advanced Threat Protectionservice and double-check it is running.
Fix 3.
Disable Other Antiviruses
Occasionally, Microsoft Defender Firewall is not active because youre using other providers.
To rule out this factor, you have to temporarily disable other third-party antivirus software.
Fix 4.
Reset Firewall options
Wrong Firewall options may also prevent Firewall from opening.
In this case, you could choose torestore Windows Firewall configs to default.
TypeControl Panelin the Windows search box and then click it from the best match result.
Select theWindows Defender Firewalloption.
ClickRestore defaults>Restore defaults.
Then a Restore Defaults Confirmation window will appear, and you gotta clickYesto continue.
Windows shuts down when scanning for viruses?
This post offers you several effective solutions to help you get rid of this issue.
Fix 5.
Here you’re free to delete the incorrect registry key by following the instructions below.
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Step 1.
Press theWindows + Rkey combination to open Run.
In the input box, typeregeditand pressEnter.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
see if there is a registry entry calledDisableAntiSpywarein the right panel.
If yes, right-tap on the key and selectDelete.
See Also:System Was Unable to Find Specified Registry Key/Value
Fix 6.
The steps are as follows.
Open tweaks from the Start menu.
IfWindows parameters missing from the Start menu, you’re able to right-click theWindows logobutton to selectSettings.
ClickUpdate & Security>View update history>Uninstall updates.
Then right-choose the most recent update and chooseUninstall.
Encountering a Windows update high CPU usage?
This post shows you how to fix the high disk and CPU usage during Windows update.
Bottom Line
Reading here, you should know what to do when Firewall cannot be opened.
