Windows Defender in Windows 8.1 Will Not Turn On

Anonymous
2013-11-24T01:31:23+00:00

I recently updated Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.  Windows Defender had been on in Windows 8 and even after the update to 8.1.  I turned it off momentarily but have been unable to turn it back on.  To my knowledge, I have no other anti-virus programs running.  How can I turn it back on?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-05-27T00:01:02+00:00

    Was there any other security software installed, even a trial version?

    You may need to use a cleanup tool to remove your prior security software. See this Wiki article: List of anti-malware product removal tools

    See if this helps:

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_start/windows-defender-wont-start-in-windows-8-after-a/c5fdc22d-3b62-44cc-8485-4a3955b8985a

    -steve

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-27T00:58:49+00:00

    There was Norton anti virus installed. I uninstalled tge program after the trail ran out.

    I will try the link you gave and follow up thank you!

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-06-20T00:12:33+00:00

    I finally was able to turn on my Windows Defender.  I tried both methods to turn it on, after which I uninstalled Norton Security.  And there it was the Windows Defender.  Thank you very much.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-06-22T00:57:55+00:00

    I don't think so, they only uninstall your Advanced System Care only , they must also remove your pre-installed Anti-Virus.

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