Essential for security to keep it running

Microsoft’s Windows Defender keeps your PC safe from various threats. If this tool stops working, your machine becomes vulnerable to many types of viruses and malware. Here’s how to fix Defender issues.

A common reason Defender stops working is that you are using a third-party antivirus program. Other causes include corrupted system files, an outdated Windows version, and more. We’ll walk you through the steps to get Defender working on your computer.

Please note: It's generally not a good idea to use more than one full-featured antivirus app (and most won't work very well if you try). However, you can use a few anti-malware apps (such as Malwarebytes) in conjunction with Windows Defender to bolster your defenses.