Unable to Turn on Windows Security

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5737


I'm unable to turn on Windows Defender. When I double click on the Defender Shield the window opens but there is no box "Virus and Threat Protection". All the other options are there and they are all Green. (Dive Security, Firewall, etc). When you restart machine you get a notification that Defender is off and needs to be turned on.

The patch Tuesday updates (Cumulative and .Net) successfully install.

As well when check for updates run KB2267602 V 1.427.230.0 fails on a download error 0x8007043. (This is why I ran update reset bat). This very new as previous Security Intelligence Updates successfully installed, the one previous to this installed on April 10th, KB2267602 V1.427.183.0

I ran the Shawn's Windows Update Reset, twice. It successful ends.
This machine (not mine) may have once had McAfee. Downloaded and ran McAfee Consumer Product removal Tool to deep clean any traces.
Ran SFC /scannow - found corruption and fixed on first pass.
Restarts were done as required like when resetting updates or the end of MCPR tool or SFC
Ran Windows trouble shooter, it found and repaired
---- Some Security settings are missing or have been changed - Fixed - green check mark
---- Service registration is missing or corrupt - fixed - green check mark


I do not see any other AV present.

Not sure where to turn to next. I know, but am avoiding, of inplace repair.

Other suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Often a virus will stop this running I would do a free online virus scan to ensure there is non virus

Great idea, will use MalwareBytes as soon as I can get a hold of them.

Open PowerShell as Admin and enter this command,

reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender" /f;Set-MpPreference -UILockdown 0;

Restart the PC.

Thanks Fabler.

I see this deletes a registry key, is the belief that something, possible McAfee, has set this key to hide the option to turn AV on?

Thank you zbook.


We now seem to have two registry mods for turning on. Can some comment on the difference between Fabler and zbook firt link?


Appreciate the help gentlemen.

Caledon Ken said:

Thank you zbook.


We now seem to have two registry mods for turning on. Can some comment on the difference between Fabler and zbook firt link?


Appreciate the help gentlemen.

The cure I found that I posted worked for me. Unfortunately I only keep notes of answers that worked but not the site I got it from. I found this and might be a better explanation,

VIRUS & THREAT PROTECTION IS MISSING FROM WINDOWS SECURITY - Microsoft Community

Thank you all gentlemen.


The user had their ISP re-install McAfee. Need level two support as they could not download it.


Something is not right.


After they installed McAfee I checked that no other AV present, in Settings > Apps or Control Panel > Programs.


I started a full scan and asked them to report back. Within the first 1% of checking it found one threat. Of course nowadays some AV's list a cookie as a threat. Waiting to hear scan completed, final results and hopefully see what the threat was.