


This may make the software look like it’s not opening. It’s possible that Windows Defender real-time protection has been turned off on your device. Use the solutions below to fix the following errors: We compiled 9 working methods for fixing any Defender-related problems on your device. If you believe your built-in antivirus isn’t functioning as it should, check the guides below. How To Fix Windows Defender Won’t Open in Windows 10 The instructions below were written using the latest version of Windows 10. Let’s see what you can do to fix these issues and restore Windows Defender. There’s a malware infection on your computer.The Windows Defender service is turned off.A Registry edit is preventing Windows Defender from opening.Windows Defender is disabled or turned off in Group Policy.There’s a system configuration error present on your device.You’re on an older version of Windows 10.The time and date of your computer are out of sync or incorrect.You have another security software installed that interferes with Defender.To sum it up, here are most of the common causes for Windows Defender not opening or being unable to launch: In this case, you usually have to make a decision about which security software you’ll be using. If you recently installed new antivirus software, such as Kaspersky or McAfee, it might interfere with the built-in antivirus.


The Windows Defender summary notification is one of the easiest ways to tell that your PC is protectedĪnother common cause for Windows Defender not launching can be third-party antivirus. This happens because of Windows 10 updates or existing malware infections. For example, as with most other default apps on Windows 10, Defender may become corrupted over time. There are many possible causes for Windows Defender not launching.
