While Windows Defender can be configured at a high level through the graphical user interface, we can instead configure Windows Defender using group policy which gives us more control and allows us to roll out the settings to the whole domain from a central location.
Windows Defender Smartscreen Greyed Out
When I browse through forums I often find this question asked many times – I am unable to or Windows Defender won’t or will not turn on and start in Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7. If you face this issue, then this post may help you. Unable to turn on Windows DefenderScenario 1 One of the most common behaviors of Windows Defender is that if it detects a third-party antivirus software, then Windows Defender will shut itself off.
Windows is designed to detect the presence of security software installed, and we often get to see the notification in the Action Center. One of the common issues we have seen in the past is when there are multiple security software installed.
It often creates a conflict between them and in the end, it creates more trouble than doing any good. Frequent freezing, crashing to applications are some of the common issues which occur when you install more than one antivirus software.So to avoid this situation, Windows Defender will turn itself off when it detects another security program. Likewise, if this security application has a Firewall, then Windows Firewall will also stop working. So in case you want Windows Defender to work, then you will have to uninstall your third-party security software and reboot the system.Often users may be unaware if security software is indeed installed or not because when you buy a new laptop, mostly it comes with a trial version of security software like Norton, McAfee, etc. Then when you install applications like Flash or Java, it might prompt you to uninstall free security scanner when most of them don’t notice. So it’s best to search your PC if you’re not sure if security software is installed or not. Once it’ removed you may need to turn it manually back on.Type “ Windows Defender” in the search box and then press Enter. Click Settings and make sure there is a checkmark on Turn on real-time protection recommend.On Windows 10, open Windows Security Virus protection and toggle the Real-Time Protection switch to On position.Scenario 2 The other issues that could cause Windows Defender not to work properly is incorrect date or time on your Windows machine.
Make sure you have set your Window clock & date set properly and then try to turn your Windows Defender back on and see if it works fine. It’s strange, but most of the Windows operating system functions work, based on the system date and time. So an incorrect date or time could trigger abnormal behavior in your Windows OS. Scenario 3 Another important thing that could cause issues is, if you Windows is not up to date, in terms of Windows Update. This could cause issues in Windows Defender or any other Windows core application. When it comes to any security software, it always needs the latest signature updates and other Windows core updates to keep your PC secure. So I would highly recommend to run a complete Windows Update, then go into Windows Defender and run an update from there as well.
Then see if your Windows Defender is working fine.4 Other Common Issues: The above-discussed scenarios are the most common ones. Apart from these, there could be some minor issues that could affect the working of Windows Defender.
It could be an incorrect Zone setting in Internet Explorer, which you can fix by resetting Internet Explorer to factory settings. Again, if you are using a Proxy server, Windows Defender will not be able to update.In such cases, you need to make some small changes to your Proxy server.Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin)Type in the following and hit Enter: NETSH WINHTTP SET PROXY 1.1.1.1:8080 or NETSH WINHTTP SET PROXY MYPROXY.NET:8080Now reboot the System and see if it works.Finally, it could be a malware itself that’s causing Windows Defender to not to work properly.
You could download and use or any other and run a complete scan.These are some common reasons why Windows Defender does not start.offers some additional troubleshooting suggestions, which may also interest you.
C:Program FilesWindows DefenderMSASCui.exeBut after following this path, a confusing message box comes on the screen saying – This app is turned off by Group Policy.Well, user rushes to Group Policy Editor and navigate to the pathComputer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Defender/Turn Off Windows DefenderHere he needs to set Turn Off Windows Defender in Disabled mode and he does the same. But the situation gets worse when this course of actions is insufficient to put an impact on settings area and Windows Defend is still found Grayed out.
The only help is now Registry Editor. If you are also trapped in this problem don’t be more concerned since from here the Defender will be restored in any circumstance.