Remove third-party anti-virus toolsĪs stated, you cannot run two anti-virus apps at the same time on Windows 10.
If you’re trying to enable Windows Defender and you see the message that it’s deactivated by Group Policy, try the fixes below. It makes no sense to have two different anti-virus apps running. When a third-party anti-virus is installed, Windows Defender is automatically disabled. Organizations that provide their employees with systems can likewise install enterprise security tools to keep their systems safe. They’re free to install a third-party anti-virus tool and use it instead.
Microsoft does not force users to use Windows Defender.
Over time, Windows Defender will update its virus definitions and they will continue to update regularly so that your system remains protected as long as you use the anti-virus.įix Windows Defender is deactivated by Group Policy This ensures that when a user boots to a brand new system or Windows 10 installation, they have basic protection. Windows Defender is a stock Windows 10 feature and it is active out of the box.