Windows Defender App "turned off"

[Bleedred]

I have windows 8.1 and when I went to search for the defender app, it said it was turned off.  I don't know how to "turn it on" and want to know what I may be exposing my computer to.

 

[Harry Hooper]

Do you have another anti-virus program installed and Defender shut off?

 

[Bleedred]

Yes, in all likelihood.  Should I turn my defender app on, and how do I do that?

 

[Couperin47]

Windows Defender is the equivalent of using a discarded party balloon as a condom. It's better than absolutely nothing, but a complete joke if you're looking for protection. Every independent analysis of A/V software ranks it dead last...by a wide margin.
 
My recollection is that while it can be run with other A/V in Windows 7, in Windows 8 installing anything else turns it off...which is virtually always a good thing...well unless you opted for Symantec ....

 

[Bleedred]

Got it, thanks

 

[mt8thsw9th]

Windows Defender is the equivalent of using a discarded party balloon as a condom. It's better than absolutely nothing, but a complete joke if you're looking for protection.

 
I'd rank "pulling out" above "party balloon". Is the Windows equivalent disconnecting from the internet or something?

 

[Couperin47]

 
I'd rank "pulling out" above "party balloon". Is the Windows equivalent disconnecting from the internet or something?

 
Disconnection from the Net doesn't help when your clueless neighbor rams his heavily infected usb drive deep deep into your port.