Enabling Windows Defender opens System32 folder (FIX)

How to enable Windows Defender if it is turned off and you cannot turn it on by normal means
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by Ananth Balasubramaniam

To fix this error, first take control of

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows Defender using the method described here (http://www.groovypost.com/howto/take-full-permissions-control-edit-protected-registry-keys/). Note that if you do not see the "owner" tab as mentioned, change the owner from "SYSTEM" to your user name.

After that, you ought to be able to edit the "DisableAntivirus" and "DisableAntiSpyware" keys to 0 and Windows defender will open normally.

I recommend changing the permissions on this key back to SYSTEM when done.

Phew! Thanks, Microsoft. You really ought to put this in an FAQ somewhere.