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Windows Defender services.msc greyed out shutdown/etc

Anonymous
2016-12-27T16:48:00+00:00

Due to issues with a definitions update failing, I needed to shut down windows defender services, but I cannot as ALL options in services.msc are greyed out, even if run as administrator.

Why is this and how can I fix it?

I am using windows 10 pro v 14393 161208-2252

Ian

Moved from Windows

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2017-01-08T16:19:09+00:00

Due to issues with a definitions update failing, I needed to shut down windows defender services, but I cannot as ALL options in services.msc are greyed out, even if run as administrator.

Why is this and how can I fix it?

I am using windows 10 pro v 14393 161208-2252

Ian

Moved from Windows

The Windows Defender Service runs as a System Protected Process in order to prevent tampering:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dn313124%28v=vs.85%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

However, administrators do have the option for configuring the operational state of Windows Defender with Group Policy. You can use the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to toggle Defender on or off in Windows 10 Pro – but in the Home edition, you either have to manually edit the Policies key – or use a REG fileto make the edit:

http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5918-windows-defender-turn-off-windows-10-a.html

Or, if you want to make things quick and easy, you can use these REG commands. Just copy, paste, and enter the appropriate line at the elevated (admin) command prompt:  

Turn Off Windows Defender:

REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender" /v DisableAntiSpyware /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Turn On Windows Defender:

REG DELETE "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender" /v DisableAntiSpyware

It should go without saying that the Group Policy switch should only be used (temporarily) in cases where Windows Defender’s CPU consumption is rendering the PC unusable; or in cases where Defender fails to shut down automatically when a third-party AV app is installed. When Defender refuses to yield to another AV app, the issue should be properly resolved by uninstalling the third-party app; running its removal tool; and then reinstalling it, rather than by leaving the Group Policyedit in place. Leaving the edit in place will prevent you from taking advantage of Defender’s new Limited Periodic Scanning feature, and there’s little doubt that this added layer of protection for third-party AV users will become a valuable asset – if and when Microsoft is able to get it working properly:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/51514-limited-periodic-scanning-turn-off-windows-10-a.html

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_scanning/win-defender/8a4a9475-315b-42ca-9747-b02f964101c9

GreginMich

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-01-09T02:50:02+00:00

    Isn't it good if you cannot stop a vital service like antivirus, even as administrator? 

    No. No, that is NOT good.

    It is never good when some corporation attempts to tell ME what I will do with my own property.

    How could anyone think it "good" to surrender their power over their own property to some company who things they know best?

    Yes I an still having issues.

    Ian

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-01-09T21:11:39+00:00

    Remember that if you can stop a service, a malware can too. And that is not something you would want. You may want full control and flexibility over the services running in your system, but that 'full control over your own property' can exploited by malwares very easily. Flexibility and security are two ends of a bar, those two can't be touched at the same time, and I think Microsoft did a fine job of balancing between the two.

    Coming back to your problem, can you please share details about your error in updating? Any error code/message (when error dialog box appears, click on Support Information drop down to see the error code/message)?

    And why do you wan to shut Windows Defender down to tackle its problems with updating?

    Prashant Kumar

    I am completely aware of this fact.

    "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin

    I am unwilling to abdicate responsibility for my choices and life to the Lethe of external power. It is MY responsibility, NOT that of a corporation. I do not need my hand held. I do not need a nanny government or corporation. This attitude that everyone is a stupid child and needs to have their hand held by some external power sickens me.

    This attitude of failure to take responsibility for their own lives sickens me as well. People need to grow the heck up, and corporations need to stop enabling these adult-children by playing into their pathologies.

    All further comment by me will be entirely directed towards the efficacy of the purely technical aspects of this thread.

    I am very busy at the moment but when I get time to attempt the fix given I will report back.

    Ian

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-01-11T14:14:39+00:00

    I am completely aware of this fact.

    "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin

    I am unwilling to abdicate responsibility for my choices and life to the Lethe of external power. It is MY responsibility, NOT that of a corporation. I do not need my hand held. I do not need a nanny government or corporation. This attitude that everyone is a stupid child and needs to have their hand held by some external power sickens me.

    This attitude of failure to take responsibility for their own lives sickens me as well. People need to grow the heck up, and corporations need to stop enabling these adult-children by playing into their pathologies.

    All further comment by me will be entirely directed towards the efficacy of the purely technical aspects of this thread.

    I am very busy at the moment but when I get time to attempt the fix given I will report back.

    Ian

    I have no words for your way of interpreting security, just a suggestion- give up Windows and switch to Linux, take all freedom you want.

    Regarding you problem, I saw you marked Gregin's reply as answer, so I assume your problem is resolved. Come back if you face any problem again.

    Prashant Kumar

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-12-28T10:00:29+00:00

    Hi Ian,

    To get more accurate answers, please post your query on the TechNet forums.

    Thank you.

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