Windows Defender is the in-built antivirus and is fairly competent at its job.
However, there are times when the tool might flash an error on your screen.
Error 0x800704ec is one such error, and if you are encountering it too, then we will help you out.
So, here are the instructions to solve the error.Turn off the Windows Defender ServicesIn case you intend to turn off the Windows Defender services, then you can opt to follow the below-mentioned guidelines.Hold the Win + R keys at the same time on your system to launch the Run section.After that, input âservice.mscâ into it and hit the Enter key.You should browse for the services for Windows Defender in the list of Services to look whether they are working.Go to the services that have an empty space into the column of Status.You have to the right click on them and choose the Start option.Now, restart the system.Turn off and Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus ProgramThis is not unusual for third-party antivirus utility to interrupt with Windows Defender, more often than not even stopping it from opening.
So, simply launch the list of installed programs section under Control panel and uninstall them.Change the Group PolicyIf the users are trying to change the group policy, then they should carefully apply the given steps.Hold the Win + R keys at the same time on your system to launch the Run section.Thereafter, input the âgpedit.mscâ and hit the Enter key to launch the Group Policy Editor.Go to the folder of âAdministrative Templatesâ and twice click on it, beneath the Computer Configuration.You should click on the Windows Components option.Navigate to the âWindows Defender Antivirusâ and locate the âTurn off Windows Defender Antivirusâ on the right-hand side of the screen.Reach the âTurn off Windows Defender Antivirusâ and twice click on it.Now, click on the âNot Configuredâ option and select the Apply and OK buttons.Change Certain RegistriesIn case you intend to change certain registries, then you can opt to follow the below-mentioned guidelines.Press the Win + R keys at the same time on your system to launch the Run section.After that, insert the âRegeditâ and hit the Enter key to launch the Registry Editor.Navigate to the pursuing address and remove the âmsseces.exeâ entry from both of them: âComputer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.âYou should locate the âREG-SZâ on the right-hand side of the screen and twice click on it to adjust the value to 0.Now, restart the system.ConclusionThe blog represents the resolution of the Error 0x800704ec.
It is suggested to be aware while reading the article because the process is a bit intricate and lengthy.