Get ESET antivirus today! One of the most common Windows Defender error messages is the following: Group Policy turns off this app. We will discuss the causes of this problem and some of the most trusted solutions available.

Why does Group Policy block Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is a reliable built-in antimalware for the OS. If the Group Policy blocks it, there are a few common suspects, including:

Third-party antivirus – This message appears if you installed another antivirus program or an anti-hacking tool that isn’t fully compatible with Microsoft’s built-in antivirus. Malware – If some malware infects the computer, it is possible you will get the message. Malware accessing your computer’s administrative tools may then deactivate Windows Defender through Group Policy. Bad configurations – If there are faulty configurations on your Settings app, or the Group Policy, you may anticipate some problems, including Why does Group Policy block Windows Defender?

While there may be other triggers, these are the culprits in most cases. Windows Defender is a solid antivirus, but sometimes issues can occur. Speaking of Windows Defender issues, here are some problems that users reported:

Group Policy blocks Windows Defender Windows 10 – This issue can occur on Windows 10 and prior versions. Even if you don’t use Windows 10, you should be able to apply most of our solutions to the older versions of Windows. Turn Windows Defender on via Group Policy – If Group Policy turns your Windows Defender off, you can easily fix this problem. Simply change a couple of values in Group Policy, and Windows Defender should start working again. Group Policy blocks Windows Defender – If your Group Policy blocks Windows Defender, you might be able to fix the problem simply by making a few changes in your registry. Unable to start Windows Defender Group Policy – If Group Policy blocks Windows Defender, you can solve the issue simply by starting Windows Defender from the Settings app.

What can I do if This app is turned off by Group Policy?

1. Make sure that old third-party antivirus tools are removed

Windows Defender is designed to turn itself off once you install a third-party antivirus. If you had a third-party antivirus on your PC, it’s possible that the issue was caused by it. Even if you remove your antivirus, sometimes there might be some leftover files or registry entries. These files can also interfere with Windows Defender and cause this issue to appear. To fix the problem, removing those files from your PC is essential. The best way to do it is to download a dedicated uninstaller for your antivirus. These tools will remove any leftover files and registry entries and completely remove any application from your PC. SPONSORED Also, consider switching to a different third-party antivirus. Unlike Windows Defender, third-party antivirus tools offer advanced features that many users will find useful, such as online banking protection and privacy insurance. If you want extra security on your PC, you should consider the tool recommended below. One hundred ten million users trust it for a good reason – it offers excellent protection from malware.

2. Delete antivirus keys from the Registry

3. Disable settings in Group Policy

Want to use Group Policy on your Windows 10 Home edition? Find out how to get it by using this quick guide.

4. Turn on Windows Defender from the Settings app

If you’re getting a message that Group Policy deactivates Windows Defender, you might be able to fix the problem simply by turning it on from the Settings app.

5. Check if the Microsoft Defender service is running

If you’re getting a message saying that Group Policy deactivates Windows Defender, the problem might be the disabled Windows Defender service. However, you can easily enable this service and fix the abovementioned problem. There you go. Use one of these methods, and the Group Policy will no longer disable Windows Defender. Lastly, if you have more suggestions or questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below.

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