Real-time protection helps protect your computer from unwanted software. This article addresses common issues you might encounter with real-time protection.

Symptoms

Common issues that you might experience when using real-time protection including the following:

  • Real-time protection does not turn on.

  • Real-time protection does not stay on.

  • Real-time protection does not start automatically.

  • Real-time protection does not start after restarting your computer.

  • Antimalware service is not started.

Cause

Real-time protection problems may be due to conflicts with other antivirus or firewall software installed on your computer.

Solution

Step 1: Completely remove all existing Internet security programs, antivirus programs, and firewall software including, Microsoft Security Essentials

  • You must first completely remove any existing Internet security programs, antivirus programs, and firewall software, including Microsoft Security Essentials, from your computer. To do so, follow the instructions in the topic How do I uninstall antivirus or antispyware programs?

Step 2: Download and install Security Essentials

Step 3: Contact Support

  • If the steps did not resolve the issue, contact support. For more information, see Customer Support (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=196174).

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