Windows Defender question (can't turn on)

Munimentum · 17 Jun 2013 at 18:09

So my Avast Pro license just ran out and I'm wanting to go back to Windows Defender. Unfortunately, after installing Avast (using Revo Uninstaller) Windows Defender refuses to turn on, either from running it or from the Action Center.

Is there something I'm missing which I need to do to turn it back on?

andicole0 · 17 Jun 2013 at 18:18

I had this after an automatic free Norton install (I think) IIRC I had to delete some additional references. Do a search for AVAST and get rid of any remaining folders etc, check the registry if that doesn't work. Reboot after uninstall?

Andi.

smogsy · 17 Jun 2013 at 18:44

just download the avast unistaller

Munimentum · 17 Jun 2013 at 18:46

Uninstalled it with Revo, then used the avast clear utility, then used Search Everything to delete everything with Avast in the name, then used CCleaner to clear registry and it still isn't allowing me to enable it.

I also tried starting Windows Defender in services.msc but it's set on manual trigger and I can't change that at all.

Elevon · 17 Jun 2013 at 19:02

Munimentum said:
Uninstalled it with Revo, then used the avast clear utility, then used Search Everything to delete everything with Avast in the name, then used CCleaner to clear registry and it still isn't allowing me to enable it.

I also tried starting Windows Defender in services.msc but it's set on manual trigger and I can't change that at all.

Did you try a reboot?

Munimentum · 17 Jun 2013 at 19:08

Yeah, multiple times.

Solved it now though through following this thread: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/493227/windows-defender-will-not-turn-on/

On the second page the OP says he found this bit of advice elsewhere: "You can also re-enable Windows Defender simply by typing in the command line: sc start WinDefend Enable."

Worked like a charm.

Thanks for the posts though, I appreciate it!