How to Reset Windows Defender in Windows 10?

If you’ve been having issues with Windows Defender on your Windows 10 computer and can’t seem to get it to work properly, don’t worry! Resetting Windows Defender is a simple process that can easily be done in a few steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to reset Windows Defender in Windows 10 so you can get back to enjoying a secure and protected computing experience.

Resetting Windows Defender in Windows 10

Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus program in Windows 10 that protects your computer from malware and other threats. In some cases, you may need to reset Windows Defender if it becomes corrupted or disabled. Resetting Windows Defender is a simple process that can be done in a few steps.

Steps to Reset Windows Defender in Windows 10

The first step to resetting Windows Defender is to open the Security Center. To do this, click the Start button and type “security” in the search box. Select the Security Center from the list of results.

Turn Off Windows Defender

Once the Security Center is open, click the “Virus & threat protection” link. In the next window, click the “Manage settings” link. In the “Virus & threat protection settings” window, turn off the “Real-time protection” option.

Restart Windows Defender

Next, you will need to restart Windows Defender. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To open the Command Prompt, click the Start button and type “cmd” in the search box. Right-click the Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”. In the Command Prompt, type “net start WinDefend” and press enter.

Enable Windows Defender

Once Windows Defender has been restarted, you can enable it again. To do this, open the Security Center again and click the “Virus & threat protection” link. In the next window, click the “Manage settings” link. In the “Virus & threat protection settings” window, turn on the “Real-time protection” option.

Restart Windows

Finally, you will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once your computer has restarted, Windows Defender will be reset and enabled.

Conclusion

Resetting Windows Defender in Windows 10 is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily reset Windows Defender and ensure your computer is protected from malware and other threats.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is a built-in anti-virus and anti-spyware program in Windows 10 designed to protect your computer from malicious software. It is a free program that helps protect your computer from online threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans, and rootkits. Windows Defender also helps protect your privacy by blocking unwanted programs from accessing your personal information.

Q2. How do I turn on Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is typically enabled by default in Windows 10, but you can confirm by checking your Windows Security settings. To do this, open the Windows Security app, click on “Virus & threat protection,” and then click on “Manage settings.” You should see a toggle switch for ”Real-time protection.” If it is turned off, turn it on by clicking on the toggle switch.

Q3. How do I know if Windows Defender is working?

To check if Windows Defender is working, open the Windows Security app and click on “Virus & threat protection.” Here, you will see a list of all the threats that Windows Defender has blocked on your computer. If you don’t see any threats, that means that Windows Defender is working correctly.

Q4. Why is my Windows Defender disabled?

Windows Defender may be disabled if you have installed a third-party anti-virus program, if you have made changes to your Windows Security settings, or if your computer has been infected with a virus or other malicious software. To re-enable Windows Defender, open the Windows Security app and click on “Virus & threat protection.”

Q5. How do I reset Windows Defender in Windows 10?

To reset Windows Defender in Windows 10, open the Windows Security app and click on “Virus & threat protection.” Click on “Reset settings” and then confirm the reset. This will reset all of your Windows Defender settings to their default values and clear any malicious software from your computer.

Q6. Is resetting Windows Defender safe?

Yes, resetting Windows Defender in Windows 10 is safe. Resetting Windows Defender will not damage or delete any of your personal data or settings. It will simply reset the program to its default settings and clear any malicious software from your computer.

How to Restore or Reset Default Windows Defender Firewall Settings

The importance of resetting Windows Defender in Windows 10 cannot be overstated. It is the key to ensuring that your operating system is running optimally, and is up-to-date with the latest security patches and protections. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily and quickly reset Windows Defender in Windows 10 and ensure that your PC is safeguarded from any potential threats. Remember that keeping your computer safe and secure is the best way to keep you and your data safe.