Is Windows Defender Running All the time?


  1. Posts : 17
    Windows 7 & Windows 10
       #1

    Is Windows Defender Running All the time?


    I've just upgraded to Win 10 and I am slowly figuring out where everything is.
    I also like to set certain apps to be visible in the Tray.
    Windows Defender is one of those I have set to be visible all the time.

    When I restart, it's not there.

    I go to Settings>Update & Security>Windows Defender . . . and scroll to the bottom and click on the "Use Windows Defender" link and it pops up and appears in the Tray. When I close the window it stays in the tray.

    When I shut-down and restart, it's gone (doesn't appear in the tray on the restart).

    Am I missing something?
    I shouldn't have to click the "Use Windows Defender" link every time I start should I?

    Thanks for the help.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 0
    Dual Boot 10 Pro v1607 10 Pro rs2 build 14971
       #2

    To get Defender to appear on the taskbar go to Settings>System>Notifications and actions>Select which items appear on the taskbar. turn on windows defender.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17
    Windows 7 & Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Yep. I did all of that. And yet when I restart, it is not there. The settings haven't changed, and the only way to get it to show again is to click the "Use Windows Defender" link again.

    I don't know why it's not sticking, and why I asked the original question:
    Is Windows Defender Running All the time?

    (ie on startup)

    This is a clean install and not an upgrade - not that that should matter - and is a brand new laptop.
    (Asus UX303LB-DS74T ultrabook)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 0
    Dual Boot 10 Pro v1607 10 Pro rs2 build 14971
       #4

    Defender should be running all the time. You might want to go to the control panel(Rt click on windows logo in lower left corner),
    click on review your computers status under System and Security and then click on the Security section. It will tell you about defender as well as the firewall etc.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17
    Windows 7 & Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Will do when I get home. Still seems Odd that if it IS running and have asked it to show the icon that it doesn't appear. Thanks for the reply and will report back.

    Per chance, if you set it to show the icon on your machine and you restart does it appear or does it stay hidden until you make the selections I have mentioned above?

    Thanks again for the input.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 0
    Dual Boot 10 Pro v1607 10 Pro rs2 build 14971
       #6

    I just restarted my computer and sure enough the defender icon disappears too. I checked in "Select which items to appear on the taskbar" and the defender switch is turned on. I'll report it using the feedback app to MS, you might want to also.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17
    Windows 7 & Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Will do. Thanks for checking it. I thought maybe I was missing something. I guess as long as we can see it as one of the running processes we should be good knowing it is indeed 'on' . . . would you agree?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 0
    Dual Boot 10 Pro v1607 10 Pro rs2 build 14971
       #8

    Yes, Defender does keep working even if the icon isn't showing. You can check in task manager also to see that it is running. (RT click on the windows icon and select task manager from the menu, click on the services tab and look for WinDefend).
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 149
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #9

    Yes it does keep on running in the background.

    The icon appears in the Notifications area after it has been opened but will disappear after a logoff or reboot - this is normal behaviour for Windows 10.

    If you want it running all the time, then please follow these instructions: Windows Defender Notification Area Icon - Hide or Show in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:13.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums