Windows 7: MsMpEng.exe not in Processes but Windows Defender is Active?

Hi, as the topic states im having serious problems.

Windows Defender is running correctly but it used to have an additional process called MsMpEng.exe, now for some reason this process is no longer there but Windows Defender is functioning correctly.

There is no way for me to uninstall and reinstall Windows Defender because it says it comes with the O/S. How can I get this process running again? I cannot even locate it on my machine.

Should I be concerned?

Thanks everyone,

What Anti-Virus program are you running?

Windows Defender that came with my Windows 7. It was pre-installed.

Maybe when I installed Windows 7 Security Essentials then uninstalled it and just left Windows Defender it caused this to happen?

That's an Anti-spyware program. Install MSE and it will include Windows Defender
https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...2-33d813687a7f

But I only want Windows Defender no MSE. Just want to find a way to restore this process.

Look in 'services'. Scroll down to Windows Defender. Is it running? If not, right click on it, choose properties, set it to automatic and start or restart the service.

MSE is an Av software and Windows Bit Defender is a Antispyware software. Most people use them together just for added protection. Just like Jacee stated.
Better to be safe than sorry!

I thought I had been clear but maybe not.

Windows Defender is the software I have
MSE is something completely seperate which I do not want.

MsMpEng.exe is a process that used to run alongside Windows Defender, now for some reason it is no longer on my system.

In services it is set to Automatic and is Running.

I am only trying to solve the problem of MsMpEng.exe, the solution for this is not installing MSE.