Defender issue

Question

I recently installed 365 on my new computer. I tried to log into defender as I had an issue with a financial account. I was unable to defender to allow me access. I just reset it and it still is blocking me out.

Suggestions?

Dan

Answer 1

Hi @Dan Malone good morning!

Since McAfee is installed, uninstall it first, then restart the computer. Windows Defender should activate automatically after the restart.

Then to make sure there's no third-party antivirus software active that might be interfering with the update process:

• Open the Windows Security app.
• Click the "Settings" (gear icon) in the lower left.
• Under Security Providers, click "Manage Providers".
• Verify if Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the active antivirus and Windows Firewall is the firewall.
• If not, please uninstall any third-party antivirus, restart your PC, and check again at Settings > Windows Update.

After that, open the Microsoft Defender app again and check whether it finishes preparing your account.

Let me know how it goes.

Answer 2

Hi, I followed your instructions and It says it is downloaded defender again but continues to spin and say it is

preparing my account and I see the Microsoft signal pop up for a blip and then go back to spinning.

I have Microsoft 365 Personal... do you need the serial number?

I do have McAfee on this computer and I do not have a VPN.

Thanks

Dan

Answer 3

Hi, @Dan Malone

Yes, Microsoft Defender is included with Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or Premium. It is separate from the built-in Windows Security app.

Since Defender is now stuck on “Getting your account ready,” try reinstalling it:

• Open “Settings” > “Apps” > “Installed apps.”
• Find “Microsoft Defender,” select the three dots, and uninstall it.
• Restart the computer.
• Open the Microsoft Store, search for “Microsoft Defender,” and install it again.
• Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account linked to the subscription.

Windows Security should continue protecting the computer while the Defender app is unavailable.

1. What is the exact Microsoft 365 plan shown under your active subscription?
2. Also, do you use a VPN or another antivirus program? Thanks!

Answer 4

Hi and thanks for your help.

I am able to see that my yearly subscription account is active

I tried to download Defender at mydefender and it said that something went wrong and I should try again later.

There is not error code when I try to open defender and just get the unable to log in phrase and yellow exclamation mark.

Now when I try to open it using the icon at the bottom of my computer, I am seeing getting your account ready and a the blue item spinning but no connection to Defender/

Also, isn't Defender a part of my yearly 365 subscription?

Answer 5

"Unable to log into Defender? is the page that comes up when I try to log into it.

I have windows 11 and it says version 25H2 (OS build 26200.8973)

My financial log in pages do open , all have several dual certification methods.

Thank you for responding.

Dan