Hi! My windows defender seems to be missing. When I try to search for it, it doesn't show up but the windows defender firewall shows up. It is also gone from the talk bar. When I search Virus & threat protection, the options are grayed out and I'm unable
to scan my laptop. Nothing seems wrong with my laptop at the moment except for this. It's also not in msconfig when I look for "Windows Defender Antivirus". It's also missing in HKey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services. And finally, when I try
to use Windows PowerShell and put in Get-Service -Name "WinDefend" | Format-Table -Auto, it doesn't work. Please help :((
April 10, 2025
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JE
Windows Defender missing
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Hi Jen. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.
See here how to get Defender working:
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/unable-to-turn-on...
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/for...
https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-defender...
Uninstall any 3rd party antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, restart PC then run the special uninstaller for the old AV from here:
http://kb.eset.com/esetkb/index?page=content&am...
Restart the PC, then type Security in Start Search, open Windows Defender Settings, there and in Windows Defender Security Center fix anything that's flagged.
If you want the best on-demand scanner download and install Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/
In it's Settings > Security tab enable Scan for Rootkits.
Then Run Scan.
Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.
If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can disable its Real Time trial version in it's Settings > Accounts tab.
Next check for damaged System Files: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-scannow...
If it cannot repair them see Step 10 here to continue: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
________________________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
____________________________See here how to get Defender working:
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/unable-to-turn-on...
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/for...
https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-defender...
Uninstall any 3rd party antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, restart PC then run the special uninstaller for the old AV from here:
http://kb.eset.com/esetkb/index?page=content&am...
Restart the PC, then type Security in Start Search, open Windows Defender Settings, there and in Windows Defender Security Center fix anything that's flagged.
If you want the best on-demand scanner download and install Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/
In it's Settings > Security tab enable Scan for Rootkits.
Then Run Scan.
Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.
If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can disable its Real Time trial version in it's Settings > Accounts tab.
Next check for damaged System Files: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-scannow...
If it cannot repair them see Step 10 here to continue: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
________________________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020
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Last updated February 17, 2025 Views 13,720 Applies to: