Can't start Windows defender

autolycus10 · 01 Oct 2023

I just had a notification that defender was turned off. In my real time protection settings the option to turn on is greyed out; it says "you're using other antivirus providers". Technically, i'm not: i'm using "Malwarebytes for teams" which AFAIK is not an antivrus as such. The thing that worries me is "why today"? I've been using this set up for years and suddenly i get this notification.

Should i be Worried? What should i do?

Edition Windows 10 Pro
Version 22H2
Installed on ‎10/‎02/‎2021
OS build 19045.3448
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.19044.1000.0

Thanks

Paul Black · 01 Oct 2023

Hello @autolycus10,

As a start . . .

> Did anything different happen yesterday ?
> Did you change or add ANY Registry Settings ?
> Did you change or add ANY Group Policy Settings ?
> Did you have ANY Windows Updates, Driver Updates, Software Updates, etc ?
> Did you download ANY Software etc ?
> Have you run MalwareBytes in case anything has sneaked through ?
> Have you got a System Restore Point that you could revert back to ?

I hope this helps.

dalchina · 01 Oct 2023

- and if using a System Restore point doesn't help, hopefully you will also have a recent 3rd party disk image.

pepanee · 01 Oct 2023

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is Snoozed; You’re using other antivirus providers >> Winhelponline

In the Command Prompt, use that "WMIC" command and see what that number says.
Scroll down, try Solutions 1 & 2.
See if that works.

TairikuOkami · 01 Oct 2023

autolycus10 said:

Technically, i'm not: i'm using "Malwarebytes for teams" which AFAIK is not an antivrus as such.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/teams

Malwarebytes for Teams. Protects your data and devices
Key Features: Real-time antivirus and malware protection

Digmor Crusher · 01 Oct 2023

Do you have this setting off?

Can't start Windows defender-screenshot-2023-10-01-182216.png

autolycus10 · 02 Oct 2023

Thanks for all the posts. I think TairikuOkami in particular nailed it. After some more research it seems that Defender AV conflicts with MWB Teams AV and Windows has happily acceded to it. Trying to run the two together looks difficult and probably undesirable and Windows Security in the system tray tells me "no actions needed".

So i think i'll just accept the status quo, (with the "Windows Security Centre" in MWB still checked) and be left wondering why i got that security alert. Thanks again to all.

Porthos · 02 Oct 2023

autolycus10 said:

Defender AV conflicts with MWB Teams AV .

Defender will run just fine with Malwarebytes together with register with windows security setting off.

autolycus10 · 02 Oct 2023

So are you saying that if i uncheck the MWB register setting - as per Digmor Crusher's screenshot - that Defender and MWB Teams AV will work together?