
The SFC Scan is a command-line utility in Windows that scans for corrupt and broken system files on your PC. Now, restart your PC and see if you are able to start Windows Defender.


Click on Ok and apply and exit the Local Group Policy Editor window. A new window will open here, make sure that the Disabled option is selected. Step 3: Go to the right pane and double-click on the Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus option. Here, go to the left pane and navigate to the following location:Ĭomputer Configuration > Administrative Template > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus Step 2: The Local Group Policy Editor window will open. Step 1: Open the Run box by pressing the Win + R keys, then type gpedit.msc and click on the Ok button. To make sure that is not the case, you will have to access the Local Group Policy Editor. If your Windows Defender won’t start, then it might be possible that it is disabled by your PC’s Local Group Policy.

Solution 4: By Editing Local Group Policy Step 2 – Copy and paste the path given below and click OK. Step 1: Press Windows key and R key together from your keyboard to open run. If you have an older version of Windows installed on your PC, update it and check for the issue. Solution 3: Update WindowsĪccording to many users, they weren’t able to start Windows Defender because the Windows 10 and 11 version installed on their PC was outdated. These tools ensure to remove software leftovers like useless files and undo unnecessary changes.Īfter uninstalling the antivirus, restart your PC and try to start Windows Defender. Remember to uninstall the Antivirus software through a dedicated software remover tool.

If this doesn’t work, you will have to uninstall the antivirus program from your PC. If you really want to run Windows Defender on your PC, the first thing you should do is Disable Antivirus on your PC. Antiviruses interfere with important Windows settings that could lead to conflicts like these. What was found to be the reason behind Windows Defender not starting in most cases was the presence of Antivirus Software on PCs. Solution 2: Disable / Uninstall Antivirus
