Antivirus software is essential for keeping your computer safe from malware, viruses, and other malicious programs that can harm your system. However, sometimes you may encounter an issue where you can't turn on your antivirus software on Windows 10. This can be frustrating and leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks. In this article, we'll discuss some of the reasons why you may be experiencing this issue and how to fix it.

Reasons Why Antivirus Won't Turn On in Windows 10

There are several reasons why your antivirus software may not turn on in Windows 10. Here are some common reasons:

1. Conflicting Software

One of the most common reasons why antivirus software won't turn on is due to conflicting software. This can happen when you have two or more antivirus programs installed on your computer. The programs may conflict with each other and prevent one or both from working properly.

2. Corrupted Files

Another reason why your antivirus software may not turn on is due to corrupted files. This can happen when files related to your antivirus program become corrupted or damaged. This can prevent the program from starting up properly.

3. Outdated Software

If you're using outdated antivirus software, it may not turn on properly. This is because the software may not be compatible with the latest version of Windows 10 or may not be updated to protect against the latest threats.

4. Malware Infection

If your computer is infected with malware, it may prevent your antivirus software from turning on. The malware may be designed to disable your antivirus software so that it can continue to infect your computer.

How to Fix Antivirus Won't Turn On in Windows 10

Now that we've discussed some of the reasons why your antivirus software won't turn on in Windows 10, let's look at some solutions to fix the issue.

1. Uninstall Conflicting Software

If you have multiple antivirus programs installed on your computer, you should uninstall one of them to prevent conflicts. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and select the antivirus program you want to uninstall. Click on Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Repair Corrupted Files

If your antivirus program won't turn on due to corrupted files, you can try repairing them using the built-in Windows System File Checker tool. To do this, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" without quotes. Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.

3. Update Your Antivirus Software

If you're using outdated antivirus software, you should update it to the latest version. This will ensure that the software is compatible with Windows 10 and can protect against the latest threats. Check for updates in the antivirus program's settings or download the latest version from the official website.

4. Scan for Malware

If your antivirus program won't turn on due to a malware infection, you should scan your computer for malware using a different antivirus program or a malware removal tool. Once the malware is removed, you should be able to turn on your antivirus program again.

Conclusion

Antivirus software is crucial for protecting your computer from cyber threats. If you're experiencing an issue where your antivirus software won't turn on in Windows 10, it's important to identify the cause and fix the issue as soon as possible. By following the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to turn on your antivirus program and keep your computer safe.

Related video of Can't Turn On Antivirus Windows 10