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Windows Defender switched off

What happened

The PC's antivirus protection is off. Attackers turn it off first; sometimes another antivirus or a setting did it.

How serious

Serious: deal with it today.

Steps: Windows PC

  1. Turn protection back on: Start → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Real-time protection: On.

  2. Ask the person at that PC what they were doing at that time (installing something, a link in an email, a USB stick).

  3. Run a deep scan: Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) → Scan now. The PC restarts.

How to check it’s fixed

Fixed when the deep scan finds nothing, protection is on again and Ojava shows the PC as healthy for 24 hours.

When to call your IT provider

Call your IT provider today, before using the PC again for work.