How to Fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy Windows?

Fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy Windows – Windows Defender is a software application that safeguards a system from malware. It was an anti-spyware program built to fight unauthorized access and protect Windows computers from unwanted software. Introduced with the Windows Vista installation pack, it is now available for free download as part of Microsoft Security Essentials.

How to Fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy Windows?

Check If Windows Defender Service is Running

Windows uses and runs several services on your computer and when any of these services stops working, problems start to occur. If the Windows Defender service has stopped for some reason, you may want to check and start it again. The following shows how to do it on your PC:

1. Press the Windows + R key on your wireless keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type in services.msc into the box and hit Enter.
2. When the services panel launches, find the service named Windows Defender Antivirus Service and right-click on it, and select Properties.
3. In the Properties box, select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu, click on the Start button, and then click on OK.

The service should be enabled by now, and you should be able to open Windows Defender on your PC.

Turn on the Windows Defender from the Settings

The first method you should try to fix the Windows Defender turned off by Group Policy error is to turn on Windows Defender.

This method is really easy and you can follow the steps below to enable it from the Settings app.

1. Open Settings to choose Update & Security to continue.
2. Select Windows Security and then click Virus & threat protection under the Protection areas option to continue.
3. In the pop-out window, click Virus & threat protection settings to continue.
4. Find Real-time protection and then turn on it, then click Yes.
5. After you have finished these steps, you have to turn on the Windows Defender and your computer will be protected.
6. Then you can reboot your computer to check whether the Windows Defender turned off by the Group Policy error still exists.

Use Registry Editor

You can also use Registry Editor to fix the Windows Defender blocked by Group Policy error. Now I will introduce the method to you step by step.

1. Press the Win key and the R key at the same time to open the Run box to continue.
2. Enter Regedit in the box, then click OK, and then click Yes to continue.
3. In the newly pop-out window, find the Windows Defender folder based on the path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender to continue.
4. Right-click DisableAntiSpy (the type shows REG_DWORD) to choose Delete.
5. After finishing these steps, restart your PC to see if the Windows Defender blocked by Group Policy error is fixed.

Change Group Policy Settings

Is Windows Defender blocked by Group Policy Windows 10? You can try this method to fix this error, but you are supposed to log in as an administrator.

Now follow the instructions to change the Settings of Group Policy to fix the Windows Defender blocked by Group Policy error.

1. Press the Win key and R key at the same time to open the Run dialogue to continue.
2. Enter gpedit. msc in the box and click OK to continue.
3. In the Local Group Policy Editor, go to Local Computer Policy > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus to continue.
4. Double click Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus in the right panel to open a new window.
5. Choose Disabled and click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Enable Windows Defender Service

Only when certain services are enabled, Windows can work properly. Thus, if there is an error with the Windows Defender service, then you may get an error message saying that the Windows Defender is turned off by Group Policy.

In this case, you can easily fix the problem by enabling the Windows Defender service. Here is the tutorial:

• Press the Win key and R key at the same time to open the Run box to continue.
• Enter services. msc and then click OK to continue.
• In the pop-out window, find the Windows Defender Antivirus Service and then double click it to choose Properties to continue.
• In the newly pop-out window, choose the General tab, set the Startup type to Automatic, and then click the Start button under the Service status section. Then click Apply and OK to save the settings.

Uninstall Malware and Third-Party Antivirus Software

Sometimes, the Windows Defender blocked by Group Policy error may appear because of malware infection or third-party antivirus software.

Some malware has the capabilities to get administrative privileges on your computer and it will disable the Windows Defender from Group Policy. Therefore, to fix the Windows Defender blocker by Group Policy error, just run an anti-malware to scan your computer. If there is any malware, the anti-malware tool will find it and delete it automatically.

1. If you have installed any other third-party antivirus software, the Windows Defender may be turned off by itself.
2. So if you want to fix the Windows Defender blocked by Group Policy error, you need to remove the third-party antivirus.
3. You can go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, then find the antivirus, and then right-click it to choose Uninstall.
4. After you have uninstalled malware and third-party antivirus, you may be able to boot the Windows Defender normally.

Switch to Third-party Antivirus

Although Windows Defender is a piece of powerful and secure antivirus, if you cannot fix the Windows Defender blocked by a Group Policy error, you can switch to third-party antivirus. And this method can also protect your computer and data.

Besides, there are some advanced features of some third-party antivirus, which may be more useful than the Windows Defender.

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