Windows Defender is a free antivirus tool provided by Microsoft for Windows Operating System. This tool protects your Windows system from threats including malware attack. It is helpful for Windows users because you do not need to download any third-party antivirus software. Moreover, as no software is completely free from glitches, the Windows Defender also undergoes some common errors. And one of them includes Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec. Generally, users encounter this error when they try to open Defender software in their device to use.  

This problem is very annoying because it takes time to recover. Therefore, through this article, we have come along with some of the most accurate fixes that will help you to get rid of the issue in  no time. Besides, we will be discussing some of the most probable reasons that can cause such an issue in your Defender application. Thus, we recommend you to have a look right below to get them all.

Apparent Reasons For Windows Defender Turned Off Error Code 0x800704ec

So, before you proceed with the troubleshooting steps of Defender application error in your Windows Operating System, we want you to be conscious of the various factors that can influence this issue in your device. Alslo, there are many reasons that can cause this problem with your Defender application. Moreover, we will be focusing on some of the most obvious ones so that you can fix the error with ease. Hence, we suggest you have a look right below to get them all.

1. The very first reason that you can get this issue in your Windows Operating System can be the hardware crash.
2. Also, you might encounter the same issue because of the outdated version of your Defender antivirus application.
3. Besides, the obsolete version of your Windows Operating System can also cause the same issue.
4. Apart from that, the presence of malware and other viruses can also lead to such an issue in your Windows Operating System.
5. Another potential factor for this error notification can be the third party application installed in your device.  
6. Besides, when you disable the Defender services in your device, you get to experience this error notification appearing on your Windows screen.
7. If you have another antivirus software installed in your device, it can cause conflict with Defender and thus you get this error.
8. Also, the incorrect settings of your Group Policy can wind up showing this error notification.
9. Apart from that, the corrupted Windows registry can also influence this kind of issue in your Windows Operating System.

Accurate Fixes For Windows Defender Error Code 0x800704ec

Windows Defender turned off error code 0x800704ec due to various reasons. You can get this error while downloading spam emails or corrupted document files. You need to fix this error immediately. Do you want to fix the error code on your own? Then try the given methods-

Solution 1: Restart Your Windows PC

This is the very first method to fix the error with Defender antivirus application. There can be a common error in your Windows device which you can resolve by a simple restart. Hence, to fix the error, we recommend you to restart your system and check for the error. Sometimes you do not need to apply lots of effort and a simple system can resolve your problem. So, restart your device and check if this helps to get rid of the error.

Solution 2: Remove Antivirus Software

Do not install another antivirus to protect your system. Microsoft already provides an inbuilt antivirus tool which can protect your PC from virus attack. If you have installed another antivirus tool then uninstall that immediately. It can definitely fix Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec.

Solution 3: Scan Your PC For Malware

Apart from that, the malware and the virus present in your device can cause issues in your device. So, it is important that you scan your device regularly and remove the malicious malware from your device. So, to make your Windows device completely glitch-free and avoid the error, you need to  scan your computer with Microsoft Safety Scanner. It will ensure that your system is not affected with any kind of virus or malware. Then, you can check if your can now open the Defender application with any error.

Solution 4: Use System File Checker To Scan Your System

You can also use the System File Checker tool. It can help in detecting your  Windows Defender. Since the error can occur when you open the Defender application in your device, you can fix it by using the default file checker and scan your system for the error. So, we recommend you to implement the file checker to scan your system and see if this helps to get rid of the error code 0x800704ec with Defender.

Solution 5: Remove Third-Party Software

As we have already discussed that the third-party software installed in your device can present you with the same error, you should check your device if you have installed them. Then, you can remove them to avoid any error relates to this. And for that, you can follow the instructions given below.

1. To start off with the process, you need to go to the Search box.
2. Here, you need to type in Control Panel. This will bring a control panel window.
3. Now, you have to select Uninstall a program option. You can find it under the Programs section.
4. After that, you have to look for the third-party software in your device. Then, you can tap on it to remove it from your Windows device.
5. Then, you can again open your Defender application and check if you are still getting the same error notification appearing on the screen.

Solution 6: Utilize Security Center Service

• At first, tap Windows key + R. It will open Run automatically. You can and search for Run from the start button.
• Now type ‘services.msc‘ in the Run when the dialog box appears
• Then search for ‘Security Center‘. After that, right-click on ‘Security Center’ and then click on ‘Restart‘.

Solution 7: Change The Settings Of Group Policy

Apart from that, the incorrect settings of your Group Policy can also lead to this error. Hence, you should check the Group Policy settings in your Windows device to avoid this issue. For that, you can find the complete instructions given below.

1. To start off with the process, you need to press the Windows key and the R key at the same time. This will bring the Run box on your screen.
2. Here, Run dialog box, you need to type in the following command  “gpedit.msc”“gpedit.msc”. Then, you can proceed with the OK button.
3. Now, you need to double click on the Administrative Templates. You can find it under the Computer Configuration section.
4. Next, you can select the Windows Components option appearing on the screen.
5. Here, you will require to click on the Windows Defender Antivirus application option. Following that, you need to click on the Turn off Windows defender Antivirus option. You can find it on the right side of your screen.
6. After that, you can click on Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus option and get into it.
7. Now, you have to click on the Not Configured option. Then, you can proceed with the Apply button and then continue with the OK button.

Therefore, these are some of the most accurate fixes for the error code 0x800704ec in your Windows Defender. Hence, we recommend you to implement the provided solutions to get rid of the error with ease.