Why can't I turn on Windows Defender?

[Windows Central Question]

cant turn on Windows Defender

I tried several ways to turn it on. I dont know that I have another active anti virus.
I do have Spybot. Will that interfere?

 

[Ed Boland]

Re: cant turn on Windows Defender

I do have Spybot. Will that interfere?

It might.

Have you tried rebooting your PC? Try that, and if you still can't get Windows Defender to start, disable or uninstall Spybot.

I'd recommend Malwarebytes for an anti malware program. Just a personal preference really.. But I've been using it for many many years and have never had any problems. Plus it plays nicely with Windows 10 and Windows Defender.