Alex Ruben
How to Fix Windows Defender Service Not Found Error
If you are experiencing the “Windows Defender Service Not Found” error, you’re not alone. This issue can prevent you from utilizing key security features on your Windows operating system. This guide will help you identify the root cause of the error and guide you through troubleshooting and restoring the Windows Defender service effectively. By following these steps, you’ll not only resolve the issue but also ensure that your system’s security features are back on track.
Step 1: Check Windows Defender Service Status
The first step in fixing the “Windows Defender Service Not Found” error is verifying whether the Windows Defender service is running on your system. To do this, you need to access the Services management console:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. - In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Defender Antivirus Service.
- Check the status. It should show either ‘Running’ or ‘Stopped’.
If the service is stopped, right-click it and select Start. If it is already running, you may want to restart it to refresh its state.
Step 2: Restore Windows Defender Service via Command Prompt
If the service is missing, you can restore it using the Command Prompt. This method can be especially helpful if the service was accidentally unregistered. To do this:
- Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sc start WinDefend - If you receive a message indicating that the service cannot be started, try reinstalling the Windows Defender feature using the command:
dism /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Windows-Defender-Featuresfollowed bydism /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:Windows-Defender-Features.
Running these commands will attempt to restore the necessary files and registry entries associated with Windows Defender.
Step 3: Check Windows Security Settings
Restoring the Windows Defender service might not fix the problem if your Windows Security settings are misconfigured. Here’s how to check:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Go to Privacy & Security and select Windows Security.
- Click on Virus & threat protection and ensure the settings are enabled.
Adjust these settings as necessary to ensure Windows Defender is properly configured and activated.
Step 4: Update Windows
In some cases, pending updates may affect Windows Defender functionality. Ensure that your operating system is up-to-date:
- Go to Settings and select Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update and then on Check for updates.
Install any available updates, as they may include critical patches necessary for Windows Defender’s operation.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While following this guide, if you encounter issues such as “Access Denied” errors during any command executions, ensure you are running your Command Prompt with admin rights. Additionally, ensure that your system isn’t infected with malware that could disable security features. Regularly check your system’s performance and security settings to avoid potential issues in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the Windows Defender service?
The “Windows Defender Service Not Found” issue could stem from a system corruption or the service being disabled or removed. Follow the restoration steps outlined to address this issue.
How do I know if Windows Defender is working?
You can check if Windows Defender is operational through the Windows Security settings, or by ensuring that the service is running in the Services management console as mentioned in the first step.
What should I do if the problem persists?
If the issue persists despite following all steps, consider performing a system restore or seeking help from Microsoft’s support page for further assistance.