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App Has Been Turned Off And Isn’t Monitoring Your PC [Fix]
Try these quick solutions to re-activate Windows Defender
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
The Windows defender error: This app has been turned off and isn’t monitoring your computer is a common issue Windows users encounter with the program. The error indicates that Windows Defender is not active on your PC, leaving it vulnerable with no protection.
Also,Windows Defender missing on Windows 11is another problem you’re likely to encounter.
What causes the PC to say the app has been turned off?
Many factors can be responsible for the Windows defender error: This app has been turned off and isn’t monitoring your computer.
Most times, installingthird-party antivirus softwareon your computer can cause theWindows Defender to be disabled, hence resulting in an error when accessing it. The installed antivirus can’t work while Windows Defender is active; the latter is disabled.
Other causes that can prompt the error are:
These causes may vary on different devices, but you can fix them by troubleshooting some settings on your computer.
What can I do if the app is turned off and isn’t monitoring my computer?
We recommend you go through the following steps before attempting any advanced troubleshooting on your PC:
After going through the above checks, and you’re unable to fix the error, proceed with the solutions below.
1. Update Windows OS
If there are any updates available, Windows will automatically search and install them.
Windows updates will resolve bugs affecting your PC that may cause the Windows Defender app to be off. Read abouthow to fix Windows not connecting to update serviceson your PC.
2. Uninstall the antivirus software
McAfee is a common culprit for this error. Hence,disabling McAfee serviceson your PC will allow Windows Defender to work.
3. Check the Registry settings
These settings will help correct any issues that may occur due to Registry settings.
4. Re-register the DLL files
Re-registering the DLL files for Windows Defender will fix any issues with the files that may cause the program.
Our readers can checkwhat to do if Windows Defender Firewall can’t change some settingson their PCs.
You may also be interested inhow to fix Windows Defender not workingon Windows 11.
If you have more suggestions and questions, kindly leave them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows Defender issues
Henderson Jayden Harper
Windows Software Expert
Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.
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Henderson Jayden Harper
Windows Software Expert
Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills.
