No windows defender :(

[Aleks]

For some weird reason my windows defender is uninstalled from my computer and I have no idea how to get it back. I am running on windows 8 so its not security essentials. Anybody have a clue as to what's up or how I could get it back?

 

[mgsstar]

So you are unable to find Windows Defender when you go to your start and type in "Defender" to search for Windows Defender? Don't see how it can be uninstalled as it is a system application.

[Aleks]

So you are unable to find Windows Defender when you go to your start and type in "Defender" to search for Windows Defender? Don't see how it can be uninstalled as it is a system application.

It acts as if its not installed. No icon, get the typical error message when I try to open.

[Geekazoid]

@Aleks, I would look at maybe a Windows 8 repair, that may bring it back and fix your problem.

[MiguelOliv]

Install AVAST them, it's free, clean, and it isn't a pain...I used and it's pretty good!

 

ps: Go to preferences and uncheck the voice aid, it's pretty annoying!

[Aleks]

Thanks for all the help guys. I have recently been having a lot of issues so I have decided to restore my drives/OS back to factory default. I only installed windows 8.1 at Christmas so it isn't like I am losing a whole lot

[Akolyte]

I've seen this virus before, it comes as adware and downloads malware to your computer.  Please check Windows firewall for me and make sure its fully functional, I would advise doing a clean install or scanning with malwarebytes, Hitman pro and Kaspersky TDSS killer and Norton Power Eraser.  The virus I have seen do this hacked the modem/router firmware and enabled port forwarding and wrecked windows firewall and defender. 

[Aleks]

I've seen this virus before, it comes as adware and downloads malware to your computer.  Please check Windows firewall for me and make sure its fully functional, I would advise doing a clean install or scanning with malwarebytes, Hitman pro and Kaspersky TDSS killer and Norton Power Eraser.  The virus I have seen do this hacked the modem/router firmware and enabled port forwarding and wrecked windows firewall and defender. 

I don't think it is a virus because I have scanned my computer with a bunch of different programs and nothing picked anything up. Also just restored all of my drives including OS to factory default settings and it is still not there. So I have no idea what it could be.