To turn real-time scanning back on, open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings, and switch Real-time protection to On. If the switch is unavailable or does not stay on, another antivirus product or your organization’s settings may be controlling protection.
Turn real-time protection on
- Open Start, search for Windows Security, and open it.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
- Switch Real-time protection to On. Approve a Windows permission prompt if one appears.
On some Windows 10 versions, you can reach the same page through Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Labels can differ in older releases. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance documents the setting and Windows 10 routes.
What real-time protection does
Microsoft says real-time protection monitors for threats and scans files and programs as they are accessed or run. When it is off, files you open or download are not scanned by this feature, although scheduled scans may continue. If no other antivirus is actively protecting the PC, turn real-time protection back on promptly. Microsoft explains the protection settings here.
If you can’t turn it on
Check for another antivirus provider
Compatible third-party antivirus software can automatically turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus off. Check Windows Security to see which product is currently protecting the device before changing settings or removing software. Microsoft says Defender should return to active mode automatically after the other antivirus product is uninstalled. Microsoft’s guidance on Windows Security and its Defender Antivirus compatibility information describe this behavior.
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Check whether your organization manages the device
On a work- or school-managed PC, an administrator may limit access to Windows Security settings. If a message says the setting is managed or the control is unavailable, contact your organization’s IT administrator rather than trying to bypass its policy. Microsoft recommends contacting IT for managed-device restrictions.
Tamper Protection does not block the Windows Security app
Tamper Protection is not, by itself, a reason the real-time switch cannot be changed in Windows Security. Microsoft says an administrator can still change these settings in the Windows Security app when Tamper Protection is on; other apps cannot change them. Read Microsoft’s explanation of Tamper Protection.
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Use an exclusion only for a specific trusted item
If the problem concerns one trusted file or folder, an exclusion is narrower than switching off antivirus protection. An excluded item is no longer checked by Defender for threats, so exclude only an item you trust. Microsoft’s instructions for adding an exclusion explain the option.
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