Windows Defender won't run on Windows 8

[AWS]

Every time I try to run the application, I get an error message stating;

 

'Windows Defender has been turned off and isn't monitoring your computer'

 

'If you're using another app to check for malicious or unwanted software, use Action Centre to check that app's status'

 

Now I'd like to clear up a couple of things first; I'm using a brand new laptop with Windows 8 installed. Therefore I have not got Microsoft Security Essentials installed either now or previously. So I cannot uninstall this.

 

Also, this laptop came with McAfee pre-installed and enabled, which I then uninstalled.

 

When I try to run Windows Defender as Administrator, I get the same message. The actual application will not open, not allowing me to turn it on. Just an error message. Is there anything I can do to open the application or to turn it on?

 

 

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