If you are a Windows user, you must be familiar with Windows Defender, the in-built antivirus software that comes with Windows. It is designed to protect your computer from various malicious software and viruses. However, sometimes Windows Defender may show an error message saying "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers". This error message can be frustrating and may leave your computer vulnerable to cyber threats. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of this error message and how to fix it.
What Does "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" Mean?
The error message "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" means that Windows Defender is unable to find any antivirus providers on your computer. This error message is usually displayed when there is a problem with the Windows Defender settings or the antivirus software installed on your computer.
Possible Causes of "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers"
There are several possible causes of "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" error message. Some of the common causes are:
- Windows Defender settings are incorrect or corrupted
- The antivirus software installed on your computer is conflicting with Windows Defender
- The antivirus software is not compatible with Windows Defender
- Windows Defender is disabled or turned off
How to Fix "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" Error Message
If you are experiencing the "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" error message, here are some possible solutions:
Method 1: Restart Windows Defender
Restarting Windows Defender may solve the problem. To restart Windows Defender, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Security by clicking on the shield icon in the taskbar or by searching for it in the Start menu
- Click on Virus & threat protection
- Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings
- Turn off Tamper Protection
- Restart your computer
- Turn on Tamper Protection
Method 2: Check Antivirus Software
If you have any antivirus software installed on your computer, make sure it is compatible with Windows Defender. Some antivirus software may conflict with Windows Defender, causing the "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" error message. You may need to uninstall the antivirus software or check the settings to see if it is causing the problem.
Method 3: Enable Windows Defender
If Windows Defender is disabled or turned off, you may see the "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" error message. To enable Windows Defender, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Security by clicking on the shield icon in the taskbar or by searching for it in the Start menu
- Click on Virus & threat protection
- Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings
- Turn on Real-time protection
Method 4: Restart Security Center Service
If the Security Center service is not running, you may see the "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" error message. To restart the Security Center service, follow these steps:
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type "services.msc" and press Enter
- Scroll down and find the Security Center service
- Right-click on the service and select Restart
Conclusion
The "Windows Defender Antivirus No Providers" error message can be a frustrating problem for Windows users. However, with the above solutions, you can easily fix the problem and protect your computer from cyber threats. Make sure to keep your antivirus software up-to-date and always enable Windows Defender to ensure maximum protection.
