Keeping Windows up-to-date is pretty necessary, however over time, you may face Windows Defender error code 0x8007139f while either trying to run the Windows Defender software or trying to install the latest updates. This is an annoying issue, and it occurs due to either hardware or software glitch. Generally, the error code 0x8007139f come with an error message as follows “The group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation.” In most of the cases, corrupted or damaged Operating System and system files are the foremost cause for this issue. Apart from this, improper handling of the device can also lead you to the Windows Defender error. However, whatever be the cause you have to sort out this matter as early as possible. Otherwise, this error can damage your PC permanently.
If you are one of them who is encountering this, error then go through this post to get rid of this situation. Well, in this post, you will get all the reliable fixes that can help you to resolve the Windows Defender related issues.
Why Windows Defender Error Code 0x8007139f Occurs?
There are various instances for which such kinds of Windows Defender error occurs. And, corrupted system files are the ultimate cause for this glitch. Sometimes, Windows Defender interferes with other antivirus softwares pre-installed in the system. Basically, this conflict causes the Windows Defender to stop its execution and as a result, ‘Windows Defender could not be started error code 0x8007139f’ issue appears. Moreover, there can be an issue with the Windows Defender service itself.
These are the major causes which can lead you to the Windows Defender error code 0x8007139f. To fix this matter, you have to learn some essential fixes. So, let’s check out the below write-up, from where you will get all the possible hacks to resolve this issue.
Resolve Windows Defender Error Code 0x8007139f: Simple Methods
Once you get stuck with the Windows Defender error code 0x8007139f you are unable to access to the Windows Defender program. In this situation, you should know the exact way to resolve the matter. In the below section, we have enlisted various tried and tested ways to fix this error. You just need to follow these methods in order.
Method 1: Check the Security Software
We already mentioned that third-party security software can be the leading cause for this issue as it can interface with the Windows Defender and resulting, such kind of errors. So, before you go through the technical process, you have to check the security software. It is recommended to disable the third-party security that you are using.
To disable virus protection:
- Primarily, you have to go to the ‘Mixrosoft Security Essential’ icon. You will find it in the Windows Notification area.
- Now, navigate to the ‘Settings’ tab.
- In the Setting tab, you have to click on the ‘Real-Time Protection’ option.
- Next, uncheck the ‘Real-Time Protect Turn On’ button.
- When it is done, just hit the Apply button as well as the OK button in order to save the new changes.
After disabling the virus protection, check if the issue is still there. If it is, then uninstall the security programs. Windows come with its own security programs in form of the Window Defender. So, after removing the security software your device will still remain protected. After removing the conflicting software, if the issue gets eliminated, then if required you can install it again or you can switch to a different set of software.
To uninstall the third-party security program:
- Firstly, click on the Start icon.
- Then, navigate to the ‘Setings’ section.
- In the Settings, tap on the ‘System.’
- Now, from the left pane, simply click on the ‘Apps & Features’ option.
- After that, you need to choose the application or software you wish to uninstall.
- Now, hit the Uninstall button.
- Once it is done, restart your device and check whether the error code gets removed or not.
If you still get the same error message, then you have to proceed with the next method.
Method 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
You can simply resolve the Windows Defender error code 0x8007139f by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool. As we know, Windows Update Troubleshooter is an in-built tool which is designed to fix Windows update related issue. It can also fix the Windows Defender associated problems. Therefore, you just need to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool and it will automatically fix the internal glitches and bugs. To run this tool you have to proceed with the directions mentioned below.
First of all, you need to go to the Settings app by pressing the Windows logo key and I key altogether. When the Settings app opens, you have to navigate to the ‘Update & Security’ section. Now, look for the ‘Troubleshoot’ button. You will find this option on the left pane. After this process, select the ‘Windows Update’ button and then, hit the ‘Run The Troubleshooter’ button. Once you perform this action, the troubleshooter wizard will provide you the direction to continue with the rest of the process. When the troubleshooter process gets complete, see if the issue gets eliminated. If the error code still pops-up on the display screen, then check out the below methods.
Method 3: Run SFC And DISM Scans
In most cases, such kind of Windows Defender issue appears due to the corrupted system files. This can be a critical issue but, you can easily resolve it by running the SFC and DISM scans. To do so, you need to perform the below task:
- Launch the Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing the Windows + X function keys altogether and then, select the PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt(Admin).
- Now, in the Command Prompt, type “sfc/scannow”, then hit the Enter key.
The SFC scan will begin automatically. When it is done, check if the issue resolves. If not then, you might need to use the DISM scan. Thus, you have to initiate the Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, in the Command Prompt, type ‘DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth’ and press the Enter button. This process will take around 20 minutes so, do not interrupt the process.
Method 4: Create a New User Account
Your user account may be damaged and for this reason, you might encounter Windows Defender error code 0x8007139f. In that case, we recommend you to create a new user account. To do so, follow the below instructions:
- At first, navigate to the Settings app and then, select the ‘Accounts’
- Now, go to the ‘Family & Other People’ section that is present in the left pane.
- Next, click on the ‘Add Someone Else To This PC’
- Once you are done, choose the option which says ‘I Don’t Have This Person’s Sign In Information.’
- After that, you will be prompt to enter your Microsoft account credentials, at that time, simply hit the ‘Add A User Without A Microsoft Account.’
- Now, enter a Username and Password for your new user account.
- When it is done, just press Next.
Once the new user account is created, you can switch to it and see if the issue gets removed.
Method 5: Reset the Windows Update Components
If the Windows Update Components aren’t working properly, then you might get such Windows Defender error. In that case, you need to reset the Windows Update Components. To do that, launch the Command Prompt as administrator. Then, in the Command Prompt, enter the following commands one by one. Keep in mind, you have to hit the Enter key after each command.
- Firstly, ‘net stop wuauserv’. Then, ‘net stop cryptSvc’
- After that, ‘net stop bits’. Now, ‘net stop msiserver’
- Next, ‘Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old’
- Once you are done, ‘Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old’
- Then, ‘net start wuauserv’. Next, ‘net start cryptSvc’
- After this, ‘net start bits’
- Finally, ‘net start msiserver’
Once you perform this action, check if the issue has been resolved. Alternatively, if you don’t want to run those above commands, then you can create Windows Update Reset Script and the commands will run automatically.
Method 6: Perform a System Restore
Furthermore, you can also fix the Windows Defender issue by performing a system restore. A System Restore is an advanced feature which can restore your device to the earlier state, and along the way, it can fix multiple issues. So, apart from the Window Defender related issues, if you ever face any additional update error, then you can perform the system restore.
To do that, you need to enter into the System Restore window by pressing the Windows logo key + S function key altogether. After that, from the menu, you need to choose ‘Create A Restore Point’. Once you are done, simply navigate to the System Properties window and tap on the ‘Systrem Restore’ option. Now, in the System Restore window, tap on the Next button in order to proceed. Next, find the ‘Show More Restore Points’ option. Once you find this option, make sure that the option is checked. If not then, check that option. After that, choose the preferred restore point and hit the Next button. Now, follow the on-screen guideline in order to restore the device. When it is done, you can try to download the missing updates.
We hope that the above solutions are quite helpful for you. However, if you have additional queries or questions regarding this issue, then you can leave a comment in the feedback section below.
