How to Fix The Windows Defender Error Code 0x800704ec

The Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec is a Windows notification that appears on any Windows OS version associated with a problem in Windows’ internal antivirus. Generally, this error occurs when a Windows user tries to attempt to turn on their Windows Defender, which comes built-in with their Operating Systems. In some cases, this error code is usually caused by any kind of third-party antivirus software, like Norton, Avast and Malwarebytes. Also, a corrupted Group policy or damaged Registry files are also the other reasons behind this error code. We know this is really frustrating. Fortunately, there are so many useful ways to solve the Windows Defender turned off error code 0x800704ec. In this article, we are going to explain some handy methods by which you can solve this error. You need to follow the steps properly:

Fundamental Ways to Solve the Windows Defender Error Code 0x800704ec

From our research, we have found some fundamental ways by which you can easily solve the Windows defender error code 0x800704ec. Hope, you can understand easily. So, let’s check out the methods below:

Method 1. Enable the Windows Defender Services

This is the first step that we are going to explain to you. In this step, at first, you have to press the Windows key and the R key at the same time and open the Run dialog box.

1. Now, in the Run box, type “services.msc” and select the OK button.
2. After that, if the Status column is blank then right-click the service.
3. Then, you have to select the Start for enabling.

Once you are done with the process then you need to restart your computer. Now, check the problem is resolved or not.

Method 2. Uninstall or Disable Third-party Antivirus Software

Sometimes, this problem can be caused by third-party antivirus software. So, in that case, you have to disable or uninstall the third-party antivirus software. To perform this task, you have to select the Start menu option and then type “control” in the search menu option. Now, you have to select the Control Panel from the list. In the Control Panel, you have to select the Uninstall a program under the Programs. After that, in the program list, locate your third-party antivirus software and double click to uninstall. In this way, you can solve the error code.

Method 3. Change the settings of the Group Policy

If the previous method doesn’t work out then you have to try this method. Basically, this error code may be caused by improper Group policy settings. So, if you are getting the error code again then you need to change the Group policy settings. To do this, you have to select the Windows key and the R key at the same time to open the Run dialog box like previous.

1. After that, in this box, type “gpedit.msc” and select the OK option.
2. Now, under the Computer Configuration, double click the Administrative Templates folder.
3. Once done, double click the Windows Components.
4. After doing all these things, you have to select the Windows Defender Antivirus.
5. Then, you need to Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus on the right.

Now, double click Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus to open and then you have to select the Not Configured option. Finally, click Apply and OK to complete the process. Still, if you are getting the error code then you have to follow the next method below.

Method 4. Use the Registry Editor to fix the issue

This is another handy method that you can try. In this method, at first, you have to open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key and the R key on your keyboard.

1. Now, in the run box, type “Regedit” and click OK to continue.
2. After that, the Registry Editor will open to you.
3. Here,you have to copy, Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
4. Then, hit the Enter key to open the Windows Defender.

Now, on the right side, you need to find REG-SZ and double click it for setting its value to 0.

Method 5. Optimize the system

A damaged or corrupted system files are another common reason for this error. In this step, at first, you have to select the Start menu option and type “cmd” in the search box to open Command Prompt.

1. Now, in the Command Prompt window, you have to type “sfc/scannow” and hit the Enter.
2. After that, type another two commands and press the Enter key each time:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Once you are done with the process, you need to close the Command Prompt and then reboot your computer. Now, check the problem is resolved or not.

Method 6. Basic uninstallation to wipe out the problem

If you are still getting the error code then this problem can be easily resolved by uninstalling. In this step, at first, you have to press the Windows key and the R key to open the Run dialog box.

1. In the Run box, type “appwiz.cpl” and hit the Enter key to continue.
2. Now, you have to search for the Antivirus program which you would like to uninstall.
3. After that, select the Uninstall option.
4. Once you are done with the process, you need to restart the computer.

Now, the Windows Defender should be enabled. If not, then you need to turn it on. To do this, you have to open the control panel. Then, type “Windows Defender” in the search bar which is located the top right portion. Finally, you have to turn it on and check the problem is resolved or not.

So, these are the ways to solve the Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec. Hope, this article is very helpful to you. You have to read and follow the steps very carefully. We have simplified all the steps so that, you can easily understand, what you have to do. Still, if you are getting the error code, then we suggest you opt for an expert’s help for a better guidance.