How To Reset Windows Defender In Windows 10?

In today’s digital age, online security has become a top priority for individuals and businesses alike. Windows Defender, a built-in antivirus program in Windows 10, is an important tool that helps protect your computer from malware and other malicious software. However, there may be instances where you need to reset Windows Defender to ensure its optimal performance.

If you are facing issues with Windows Defender or suspect that it may have been compromised, resetting it can be a quick and effective solution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to reset Windows Defender in Windows 10, so that you can keep your computer safe and secure from any potential threats. So, whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a novice, read on to learn how to reset Windows Defender in Windows 10.

How to Reset Windows Defender in Windows 10?

Windows Defender is a built-in security feature for Windows 10. It helps protect your computer from viruses and other malicious software. If you’re having trouble with Windows Defender, you may need to reset it. Here’s how.

1. Use the Windows Security App

The easiest way to reset Windows Defender is through the Windows Security app. To open the app, go to the Start menu and select “Windows Security.” Once the app is open, click on “Virus & Threat Protection” and then select “Advanced Settings.” Scroll down to the “Reset” section and click on the “Reset Now” button. You will be prompted to confirm the reset, so click “Reset” to confirm.

This will reset Windows Defender. You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once your computer has restarted, Windows Defender will be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

2. Use the Command Prompt

If the Windows Security app isn’t working, you can try resetting Windows Defender using the Command Prompt. To do this, open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).” Once the Command Prompt is open, type the following command: “winmgmt /resetrepository” and press Enter. This will reset the Windows Defender repository.

You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once your computer has restarted, Windows Defender will be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

3. Use Group Policy Editor

If you’re using Windows 10 Pro, you can use the Group Policy Editor to reset Windows Defender. To open the Group Policy Editor, press the Windows key and type “gpedit.msc.” Once the editor is open, go to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Defender.” Then, double-click on the “Turn Off Windows Defender” setting and select “Enabled.”

This will turn off Windows Defender. To turn it back on, go back to the same setting and select “Disable.” You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once your computer has restarted, Windows Defender will be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

4. Re-register Windows Defender

If you’re still having trouble with Windows Defender, you can try re-registering it. To do this, open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).” Once the Command Prompt is open, type the following command: “regsvr32 wlbsctrl.dll” and press Enter. This will re-register the Windows Defender DLL.

You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once your computer has restarted, Windows Defender will be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Defender

If none of the above methods work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Defender. To uninstall Windows Defender, press the Windows key and type “appwiz.cpl.” Once the Programs and Features window is open, select “Windows Defender” and click “Uninstall.”

Once Windows Defender has been uninstalled, you can reinstall it by downloading the latest version from the Microsoft website. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows Defender.

6. Use Third-Party Software

If you’re still having trouble with Windows Defender, you can try using third-party software to reset it. There are several software programs available that can help you reset Windows Defender with just a few clicks. Look for programs that are specifically designed for Windows 10 and are compatible with your version of Windows.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the software, follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows Defender. Once the reset is complete, restart your computer and Windows Defender should be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

7. Repair Windows 10

If you’re still having trouble with Windows Defender, you can try repairing Windows 10. To do this, open the Settings app and go to “Update & Security” > “Recovery.” Under the “Advanced Startup” section, click on “Restart Now.” This will restart your computer and boot into the Windows Recovery Environment.

Once the Windows Recovery Environment is open, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options” > “Startup Repair.” This will scan your computer for any problems and repair them if necessary. Once the repair is complete, restart your computer and Windows Defender should be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

8. Run a System Restore

If you’re still having trouble with Windows Defender, you can try running a System Restore. To do this, open the Control Panel and go to “System and Security” > “System.” Under the “System Protection” section, click on “System Restore.” Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and restore your computer to an earlier point in time.

Once the system restore is complete, restart your computer and Windows Defender should be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

If you’re still having trouble with Windows Defender, you can try performing a clean boot. A clean boot is when you start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify any third-party programs that may be causing the problem.

To perform a clean boot, open the System Configuration utility by pressing the Windows key and typing “msconfig.” Go to the “General” tab and select “Selective Startup.” Uncheck the “Load Startup Items” box and click “OK.” When prompted, restart your computer.

Once your computer has restarted, Windows Defender should be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

10. Reset Your PC

If you’re still having trouble with Windows Defender, you can try resetting your PC. This will restore your computer to its original, out-of-the-box state. To reset your PC, open the Settings app and go to “Update & Security” > “Recovery.” Under the “Reset This PC” section, click on “Get Started.” Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your computer.

Once the reset is complete, restart your computer and Windows Defender should be back to its default settings and should start protecting your computer again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Windows 10 includes Windows Defender, a powerful security tool to protect your PC from malware and malicious software. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to reset Windows Defender in Windows 10.

1. How do I reset Windows Defender in Windows 10?

Resetting Windows Defender in Windows 10 is an easy process. To start, open the Windows 10 Settings app by pressing the Windows Key + I. Then, select Update & Security and click on Windows Security in the left panel. Once the Windows Security window opens, click on the Open Windows Defender Security Center button. Next, click on the Virus & Threat Protection option and then select the Manage Settings link. Finally, click on the Reset button to reset Windows Defender in Windows 10.

2. What is the difference between resetting and disabling Windows Defender?

The difference between resetting and disabling Windows Defender is that resetting Windows Defender allows you to start from scratch and reconfigure its settings, while disabling it completely turns off all features and services. When resetting Windows Defender, you can configure it the way you want, while when disabling it, you will have to manually enable it again when you need it.

3. Is it safe to reset Windows Defender?

Yes, resetting Windows Defender is safe and will not harm your PC. Windows Defender is a powerful security feature that is designed to protect your device from malware and malicious software. Resetting it will not affect any of your existing files or programs and will not cause any damage to your system.

4. Does resetting Windows Defender remove any existing threats?

No, resetting Windows Defender will not remove any existing threats. Windows Defender is designed to protect your PC from malware and malicious software, but it does not automatically remove existing threats. If you believe that you have a virus or malware on your PC, you should use an anti-malware program to scan and remove any existing threats.

5. Will resetting Windows Defender affect my system performance?

No, resetting Windows Defender will not affect your system performance. Windows Defender is designed to run in the background without impacting your system performance. It will not slow down your system or cause any other issues when resetting it.

How to Restore or Reset Default Windows Defender Firewall Settings

In conclusion, resetting Windows Defender in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help you resolve any issues that you may be facing with this security feature. Whether you need to fix a problem with its configuration, remove a virus or malware, or simply restore its settings to their default state, resetting Windows Defender can provide you with a fresh start and a reliable protection against various threats.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reset Windows Defender in just a few clicks and ensure that your system is secure and up-to-date. Remember to keep your antivirus definitions updated regularly, avoid downloading suspicious files or visiting unsafe websites, and practice safe browsing habits to minimize the risks of malware infections and other security threats. With these best practices in mind, you can enjoy a safe and hassle-free computing experience on your Windows 10 device.