how do i turn on my windows defender after it was disabled

Anonymous
2025-06-12T18:15:48+00:00

I had disabled it using trying to use KMS auto++ to activate my Microsoft account. Now can't seem to turn it back on, I've tried almost everything guys. Right now I'm frustrated

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation

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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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-13T03:10:11+00:00

    Hello there. It appears that it did not fix the issue. Let me share other actions to do from your end.

    Check Services:

    KMS Auto++ often stops and disables the Windows Defender services.

    Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

    Type services.msc and press Enter.

    In the Services window, look for the following services:

    -Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service (formerly Windows Defender Antivirus Service)

    -Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service

    -Microsoft Defender Firewall (sometimes related)

    -Security Center (SecurityHealthService)

    For each of these services:

    -Right-click on it and select Properties.

    -Set the Startup type to Automatic.

    -If the service is stopped, click the Start button.

    -Click Apply and then OK.

    Restart your computer after making these changes.

    Other steps that you can do from your end:

    Open Windows Security: You can access Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.

    Navigate to Virus & threat protection: Click on the "Virus & threat protection" tile or the shield icon on the left menu bar.

    Manage settings: Click on "Manage settings".

    Toggle Real-time protection: Ensure the "Real-time protection" toggle is switched to "On".

    Optional: Enable Cloud-based protection: You can also enable "Cloud-based protection" for added security.

    Check for other antivirus: If another antivirus program is installed, Windows Defender may be automatically disabled. You'll need to uninstall the third-party program before Windows Defender can fully activate.

    Restart your device: After making changes, it's recommended to restart your device for the changes to take effect.

    If these steps don't help, please let us know, and we can explore further options.

    Sincerely,

    Clive

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-13T02:16:01+00:00

    I don't know how to use it, can you guide me on that

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-06-13T02:14:55+00:00

    Both "turn off Microsoft defender antivirus" and "real time protection" are still set to "not configure"

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-06-12T23:29:01+00:00

    Please provide Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) logs for analysis of Windows Defender's configuration.

    https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/farbar-recovery-scan-tool/

    Note: If you are using Edge or Chrome, SmartScreen may initially block the download.

    Click on the three dots next to the warning and select Keep => Show more => Keep anyway.

    • If your computer's language is not English, rename FRST64.exe to FRST64English.exe
    • Run the tool, leave the default settings, and press Scan.
    • Zip the logs, FRST.txt and Addition.txt, then upload to a cloud storage service like OneDrive, Google Drive or gofile.io
    • Post the share link.

    Share OneDrive files and folders - Microsoft Support

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-06-12T19:02:05+00:00

    Hello there Obi. I'm Clive an Independent Advisor. Seems like your inquiry here is to how to turn on your windows defender since it was previously disable. Let me help you further.

    Given that you used KMSAuto++, the most likely reason you cannot turn Defender back on is that KMSAuto++ (or associated malware) is actively preventing it, or has corrupted critical security settings.

    Crucial First Step: Disconnect from the Internet Immediately is vital to prevent any active malware from spreading or causing further damage while you're trying to fix your security.

    Steps to Re-enable Windows Defender (preferably in this order):

    1. Check Group Policy Editor (for Pro/Enterprise editions):

    KMSAuto++ often modifies Group Policy settings.

    -Press Windows Key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

    -Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

    -Look for a setting named "Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus" (or "Turn off Windows Defender").

    -Double-click it.

    -Set it to "Not Configured" or "Disabled."

    -Click Apply, then OK.

    -Important: Also check the sub-folder Real-time Protection under Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Ensure Turn off real-time protection is "Not Configured" or "Disabled."

    -Close Group Policy Editor and restart your computer. After restarting, try to open Windows Security and see if Defender can be enabled.

    If these steps don't help, please let us know, and we can explore further options.

    Sincerely,

    Clive

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