I accidentally remove microsoft defender

Question

Is there any way to reinstall it?

Answer 1

Hi

We could first check Security at a Glance in Windows Security settings.
In Security at a Glance, 7 options should be provided.

If only 6 options are provided, then we may probably miss "Virus & Threat Protection".
If the screen is blank, Defender Service maybe have something wrong.

Once "Virus & Threat Protection" is missing , hope this link would help you:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/all/virus-threat-protection-is-missing-in-windows/eb3e047c-35e7-4eab-9382-117340e758fb
Here is a three step approach.

1. Turn on Virus & Threat Protection, to see if it will stay "ON".
2. Check for the presence of a particular Scheduled Task.
3. Modify a Registry Key to nullify the effect of a rogue Policy.

If the "Security at a Glance" screen is blank, please refer to this link:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/all/cant-activate-windows-defendersecurity-at-a-glance/f4473250-5e51-45dd-90ee-204706fa9446

Finally we could check the services in the Services app

1. Security Center Should be running and set for Automatic (delayed start).
2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service, running and set for Automatic start.
3. Windows Security Service, running and set for Manual start.

Best Regards

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