Windows Defender says unprotected despite being enabled and updated


  1. Posts : 170
    Windows 10
       #1

    Windows Defender says unprotected despite being enabled and updated


    Windows Defender says potentially unprotected despite being enabled and up to date and I ran a scan. It just recently had one of the common errors where it failed to update.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 579
    Windows 10 Home
       #2

    Galane,

    Have you used CCleaner recently?

    Also, try updating and then running a Scan with WD, and see if the notice goes away.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 170
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I frequently use CCleaner, and I stated in my post that I had just updated WD and ran a scan and the notice stayed.

    [Post Edited]
    Last edited by essenbe; 03 Dec 2016 at 00:25.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 39,789
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 64 Pro, Win 10 64 Education Edition, Win 11 Pro
       #4

    The reason cottonball asked you if you ran CCleaner is if you use it on a regular basis, it has a habit of cleaning the Defender log which will make Defender think it hasn't run a scan in a while. When you open CCleaner, click on the Applications tab & make sure Windows Defender is unchecked.

    As for failing to update, this happens occasionally. If the problem continues after multiple attempts to update the defs, then you either have malware preventing it or some of your system files are corrupted & you could run a SFC scan to see if there are any problems that can be repaired.

    SFC Command - Run in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 579
    Windows 10 Home
       #5

    What's with people who read but fail to comprehend?
    Pardon me, Galane, but, perhaps, once again updating and then running a Scan with WD, may yield a different error or lead to a different result.

    An assumption of my train of thought is the fastest way to getting it wrong.

    I will respectfully exit this thread.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12,799
    Windows 11 Pro
       #6

    @Galane, Both @cottonball and @Borg 386 are very knowledgeable, experienced and respected members here who are trying to help you. Making rude remarks is not going to get you very much help. Perhaps a better approach would be to follow their requests.
      My Computer


 

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