Fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy

If you are using Windows 10 then you know that Microsoft has updated its Antivirus app called Windows Defender. After installing the new Windows 10 update, somany users are facing some serious issue with Windows Defender. They are facing “Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy” error message. You will see this type of message when you try to open Windows Defender or Scan your system with Defender. With the new release of Windows 10, Microsoft has updated its own Antivirus software with new UI And Advanced Security features. Here is a quick guide on how to fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy error on Windows 10, 8 and 7.

Causes ofWindows Defender Blocked by Group Policy

There are multiple reasons for this Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy” error. If you are facing this error then you have to try each and every solution.

Reason 1: Third party Antivirus

This is one of the common reason for Windows Defender Turned off by Group Policy problem. If you are using any 3rd party Antivirus then you will face this error.

One of the most common cause for “Windows Defender Turned off by Group Policy” error is the third party Antivirus. Whenever you install any 3rd party Antivirus, it will turn off the windows defender. Windows 10 comes with preinstalled Antivirus. Now you are installing another 3rd Party Antivirus and this will create the conflict between both Antivirus.

Reason 2: Date or Time

Sometimes due to wrong Date and Time, you will see this error. Make sure that your PC time is correct.

Reason 3: Windows Update

Not Installed Windows Updates. If you haven’t installed any Windows 10 update then chances are high that you will face this app is turned off by group policy windows 10 defender error.

Microsoft Windows Defender is the most advanced Built-in Antivirus Program, protects your system and data from all the harmful threats. This message. “This app is turned off by Group Policy” appears because an anti-hacking tool that isn’t fully compatible with Microsoft’s built-in antivirus. This issue can occur on Windows 7 and Windows 8/10. You should be able to apply the majority of our solutions if you don’t use Windows 10.

• Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy – If your Windows Defender is switched off by Group Policy, you can resolve this problem effortlessly. Change a few values in Windows Defender and Group Policy should begin working.
• Unable to start Windows Defender Group Policy – When Windows Defender is obstructed by Group Policy, it is possible to solve the problem by Simply starting Windows Defender in the Settings program.

Fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy

Windows Defender turns itself off as soon as you put in a third-party antivirus. Windows Defender automatically scans the PC on a regular basis and also gives the user options to scan as per the timings you set. All you have to do is simply open Windows Defender and click the scan option and click Scan now to begin the scan.

The improved Windows 7 UAC is important as it informs you when a program produces a change that could potentially damage your computer or allow it to be susceptible to security threats.

Method 1: Use Local Group Policy Settings

Step 1: Open Run with Win + R.

Step 2: Type gpedit.msc > Enter to open Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 3: Now go to this location: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender on the left side of the Local Group Policy Editor Window.

Step 4: In the Windows Defender Folder, search and double click on Turn off Windows Defender.

Step 5: Select Not Configured (Disable it)

Step 6: Apply > Ok.

Method 2: Advanced Registry Edit

Follow these steps to modify the registry of your Windows 10.

Step 1: Open Run (Win + R) and then type regedit.exe > Enter key.

Step 2: Go to Computer > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE from the list at the left side.

Step 3: Click on SOFTWARE. Select Policies SOFTWARE.

Step 4: Inside Policies folder, find Microsoft subfolder > open it > Find Windows Defender folder > Open it.

Step 5: Double click the file > Edit String 0 at Value data > OK.

Step 6: Reboot PC.

Method 3: Uninstalling the third party Antivirus

Uninstalling Softwares on Windows is so easy. You can delete or uninstall Antivirus from Control Panel Window.

Step 1: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.

Step 2: Select antivirus or software that you want to remove and then right click on it > Uninstall.

Step 4: Restart the computer.

Method 4: Turn on Windows Defender via Command Prompt

Step 1: Open Run > type cmd > Enter.

Step 2: Type REG DELETE “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Defender” /v DisableAntiSpyware.

and press Enter then. Now restart the computer when the process finished.

Also Read: Fix Memory Management BSOD Error on Windows 10

Conclusion

We have mentioned all the possible solutions to fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy error. If you are still facing the same error then try to restore your Windows and also you can perform clean Windows 10 Installation.

Thanks!