Windows 10: Windows Defender off but still deleting files

Hello. I have force-disabled Windows Defender by turning off real-time protection in the registry editor and disabling tamper protection so that it will not turn itself back on. All settings are greyed out and off, and yet Windows Defender still automatically deletes my files after a false positive detection. I have no idea how in the world it is doing that when I am 1000% certain it is off. Tamper protection - off. Real-time protection - off. What in the world is going on?

:)

 

All files on Downloads folder gone after updating windows defender

Hi,

I understand the inconvenience caused to you. We will help you to resolve the issue.

I suggest you to follow the below steps to recover the deleted files in Windows Defender and check if it helps.

• In the search box type as ‘Windows Defender’ and click on it.
• Under the tab ‘History’ select the option ‘Quarantined items’.
• Click on ‘View Details’ and check if any files are available.
• If the files are present then click on the file and click on ‘Restore’.

Please get back to us with an update on this issue, we will be happy to assist you further.

Thank you.

 

defender scans

Hi Ian,

Thanks for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

This issue might occur if you have set any task scheduler for Windows Defender.

I suggest you to delete the task for Windows defender and check if it helps.

Follow the below steps:

• 
  Search and open Schedule tasks.
  
• 
  In the left-hand menu, open the Task Scheduler Library, then select
  Microsoft >Windows >Windows Defender.
  
• 
  Double-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.
  
• 
  Select the Triggers panel, then select Delete.
  

Hope it helps, reply to us with the status of your issue. We will be happy to assist you.

 

Where are the files that Windows Defender deleted?

Hi,

I am Ganesh Gandhi, an Independent Advisor, 18 years experienced windows guide. I am here to work with you on this problem.

Newly installed Windows update, may delete files on the computer without asking you for permission. It seems that if you’ve installed an incompatible or faulty Windows 10 update.

I suggest to uninstall the faulty updates that remove files on your Windows 10 computer.

To stop Windows 10 from deleting files without asking for confirmation:

1. Open Windows Defender > Click on Virus & threat protection.

2. Scroll down and click Virus & threat protection settings

3. Scroll down to Exclusions and click Add or remove exclusions.

4. Click + plus icon to add an exclusion and select File, Folder, File Type or Process, then specify the exact files, folders or even file types that you don’t want to get them deleted or removed by Windows Defender and Save all changes.

Check in this location for the deleted files:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\LocalCopy

If there are no files listed there,

then can be only recovered with some file recovery software.

Refer here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/for...

Do let me know if you require any further help on this. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.