How to turn on defender in windows 8????

Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8

If the above Microsoft method does not work:

Read this information: Windows 8.1 - Update to from Windows 8

Or save your Data and do a clean install of the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 is.

Windows 8 > 8.1 is a free upgrade released by Microsoft and this is a workaround if you are unable to get it via the Store, etc.

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You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..

"Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

"Download Windows 8.1"

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

A similar Tutorial which may also assist you

"Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81

In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:

Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.

Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.

Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

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"How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

   Warning

This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.

UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

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How to clean install:

"How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

Make sure that you read Section 4 about using generic keys

If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.

If you have a retail Windows 8.1 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1or Windows 8.1 Update, then you are good.

If you have an OEM Windows 8product key and want to clean install W indows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate with your OEM Windows 8 COA product key.

If you want to clean installWindows 8 Enterprise*,W indows 8.1 Enterprise, or W indows 8.1 Update Enterprise, then you would need to change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.*

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With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

If it does not, follow these steps:

"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

"Get help with activation errors"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

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If you do wish to/need to keep a record of it:

"Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

"We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

You can also use:

"Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

http://www.belarc.com/free\_download.html

Or:

"Product KeyFinder"

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Cheers.

I thought the free Windows 8.1 update was still available: https://www.lifewire.com/windows-8-1-update-2626250

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15347/announcing-windows-8-1-support-lifecycle-policy

Did you try the suggestions in Problems starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10?

I'm not an employee of MS.  If you consider the issue you encountered  involving Windows Defender to be a hassle you might prefer to contact MS Support at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us or at 800-642-7676.

Alternatively there are other antivirus programs available - both free and paid.  Take your pick...

Choosing an Anti-Virus Program

Regards…

http://blog.emsisoft.com/2015/01/27/top-10-ways-pups-sneak-onto-your-computer-and-how-to-avoid-them/

I have ran the virus uninstall tool. I am unable to upgrade to windows 8.1 as it is no longer offered. Is there a reason this is such a hassle?  It seems to me I should be able to turn it off or on easily. It is simply not able to be turned on and I do not know what to do.

I do not know how to turn on Defender in windows 8. There is no other virus or malware protection on the computer. I am the administrator.  The dialog box I get is-"this app is turned off and is not monitoring your computer"  I can find no button or anywhere to turn this feature on. When I type defender into the control panel it says the same this that it is turned off. Can anyone help please? Thank you.

According to your post you are using Win 8.  Since Win 8 is no longer supported, recommend you upgrade to Win 8.1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15288/windows-8-update-to-windows-8-1

If this is your first time to attempt to use Windows Defender on this computer I assume you have (previously) been using a third party antivirus program. Be sure you have run the appropriate software removal tools for any antivirus (McAfee, Norton, Trend, etc) that was previously installed on the computer. If any remnants of previously installed antivirus programs remain there may be issues with using Windows Defender (or any other antivirus program).  List of antivirus product removal tools

For further suggestions if needed see Problems starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10

Regards…

http://blog.emsisoft.com/2015/01/27/top-10-ways-pups-sneak-onto-your-computer-and-how-to-avoid-them/