Unable to turn on Windows Defender real time protection

Hi guys, I'm a bit desperate here right now.

I have the same problem that this guy over here. I'm running Windows 10 Home x64, version 1607, build 14393.0.

I had to restore the PC to a previous point because I ****ed up some drivers. Then my AV (Bitdefender Free) started having some issues (they gui didn't display correctly) so I decided to uninstall it and just go with Windows Defender.

The problem is I can't get it to work... I get a notification in the Action Center saying to turn on the virus protection, when I click it, Windows Defender goes green(PC status: protected, Real time protection: on) for a second and then goes yellow again (PC status: Windows Defender is OFF, Real time protection: Handled by another AV program) and I get the notification again. If instead of clicking the notification I click "Turn on" on the Windows Defender gui, Windows opens another window, "Apps & Features" in settings, like asking me to uninstall the other, nonexistent AV.

Now, I've tried a lot of things...

• Of course, I have completely uninstalled Bitdefender. I used the official tool provided by them for this. There is nothing in the registry by bitdefender nor any file or folder by that name in my PC.

• I have tried every step listed here.

• I have tried to install another AV (Avast) and the uninstall it to see if this would "reset" somehow windows defender. (Nope.)

• I have tried option #2 here Windows Defender - Turn On or Off in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

• I have run MBAM and nothing pops-up

In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender there is noDisableAntiSpyware key. But in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender there is a DisableAntiSpyware key and its value is 0. (Not sure if this is important but wanted to give you the info.)

Anyone has any idea? Right now I'm thinking of downloading another AV or just go without any and be done with it.

Maybe try installing Bitdefender again and use Revo Uninstaller Free to uninstall it. Choose the Advanced Mode to uninstall. Be careful when deleting the registry keys, only delete the ones highlighted in black. Double check to make sure you're deleting the right ones.

I would create restore point before I started and maybe make an image of your hard drive.

This is the download page for Revo Uninstaller Free. The link for the free version is at the bottom of the page.

Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems


This is a guide for using Revo Uninstaller. Read it completely before you uninstall any programs.

The Complete Guide To Using Revo Uninstaller - Keep Your PC Clean and Healthy