How to Start Windows Defender Service Manually

Windows Defender is a utility included with Windows Vista and Windows 7. It helps protect your computer from spyware, a type of malicious software that can monitor your activities online and steal private information. Under normal circumstances, the Windows Defender service starts automatically when you load Windows. However, if you have reason to believe that the program did not start, you can start the Windows Defender service manually through the control panel or the command prompt.

Instructions

Command Prompt

1. Click "Start," and type "cmd" in the search box at the bottom of the menu. Right-click "cmd" in the search results list and select "Run as administrator." Windows displays a command prompt with administrative privileges.

2. Type "net start windefend" in the command prompt window.

3. Press "Enter." Windows displays the message "The Windows Defender service was started successfully."

Control Panel

1. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel."

2. Click the drop-down menu next to "View by" and select "Small icons" in Windows 7. In Windows Vista, click "Classic View" on the left-hand side of the window.

3. Double-click the "Administrative Tools" icon.

4. Double-click the "Services" icon.

5. Right-click "Windows Defender," and select "Start."

References

• Hscripts.com: Windows Defender Service
• Microsoft TechNet: Start, Stop, Pause, Resume or Restart a Service