

If you've uninstalled an antivirus, you might need to reboot and or try the steps again. If that fails, check Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Real-time protection is toggled on. If not, double-click DisableAntiSpyware and change the Value Data to 0 and click OK. The new key should have a Value Data of 0. Name this new key DisableAntiSpyware and press Enter to save. If you don't see DisableAntiSpyware, right-click on the right window and click New > Dword (32-bit Value). Look for a registry key in the right window that's called DisableAntiSpyware. Type Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender into the search bar.

Press the Windows Key + R, type in regedit and press Enter.

Update - For those coming here about April 2020 problem, Microsoft has fixed the problem. Another common reason is when malware or a virus disabled your antivirus. These Windows Defender errors frequently appear after uninstalling another antivirus and allowing Windows Defender to take over as your primary antivirus. Windows Server 20 (including the Core edition) have the Windows Defender Antivirus engine built in.TIP: Hard to fix Windows Problems? Repair/Restore Missing Windows OS Files Damaged by Malware with a few clicks
