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To turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus real-time scanning back on, open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings, and switch Real-time protection to On. If the switch is unavailable or will not stay on, another antivirus product or your organization’s policies may be controlling protection.
Turn Real-time protection on
- Open Start, search for Windows Security, and open it.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
- Switch Real-time protection to On. If Windows asks for permission, approve the prompt.
On some Windows 10 versions, you can reach the same page through Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Labels and navigation can differ on older releases. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance documents these routes and the Real-time protection control.
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What Real-time protection does
Microsoft says Real-time protection continuously monitors for threats and scans files and programs as they are accessed or run. While it is off, files you open or download are not scanned by this feature, although scheduled scans may continue. If you do not have another active antivirus provider, turn real-time protection back on promptly. Microsoft’s explanation of Virus & threat protection describes this behavior.
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If the switch is unavailable or will not stay on
Check whether another antivirus is active
Compatible third-party antivirus software can automatically turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus off. First confirm which product is protecting the device. Microsoft says Defender should return to active mode automatically after the other antivirus product is uninstalled. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance explains the automatic handoff.
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Check whether your organization manages the device
Some Windows Security pages and features may be unavailable on an organization-managed device. If you use a work or school PC and cannot change the setting, contact your IT administrator rather than trying to bypass the restriction. Microsoft directs users with managed-device restrictions to their administrator.
Tamper Protection does not by itself block the Windows Security app
When Tamper Protection is on, an administrator can still change settings in the Windows Security app; other apps cannot change those protected settings. Microsoft’s Tamper Protection guidance describes this distinction.
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If only one file or folder is causing a problem
Consider adding a Defender exclusion instead of switching off all antivirus protection. An exclusion is narrower, but Defender will no longer check the excluded file or folder for threats. Only exclude an item you trust. Microsoft explains how exclusions work and how to add one.
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