How to Fix Windows Defender Error 0x800106ba

Windows Defender is Microsoft's free tool for spyware protection and removal just like Microsoft Security Essentials is for viruses. Both security tools should always stay enabled and updated. However, this is not always the case after a major update from Microsoft. Sometimes the Windows Defender turns off and when you try to turn it on, it gives the error 0x800106ba. The easiest thing that would come to anybody's mind is a spyware or malware attack—or both.

You can easily turn the tool back on, however, there is a problem when Windows Defender won't come back on. Let's look at some simple steps you can follow to fix the 0x800106ba error.

Step 1 - Use Microsoft Fix It

Microsoft Fix It is a tool that automatically fixes some Windows problems. To download this tool, go to http://fixitcenter.support.microsoft.com/Portal. Run and try to use this tool to fix the problem. If the problem persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2 - Check the status of the Windows Defender service

Check to see that your Windows Defender service is not set to Manual or Disabled, if it is, change it to Automatic. From the Start button, type in the word services in the search box -> on the program list, click on services-> Locate the Windows Defender service and double-click on it -> click on Automatic when the start-up type box pops up.

Or

Click on start -> control panel -> Administrative tools -> services -> find Windows Defender and double-click on it -> select start type as automatic -> click on the logon tab -> click on the recovery tab.

Windows Defender should try to start, allow some time to pass, about 5 minutes, before clicking on the General tab -> Start-> Close.

Should the problem persist, go to step 3.

Step 3 - Uninstall and Install Windows Defender Again

Download a fresh copy of Windows Defender and save it on your desktop. Go to the start button-> Run-> now type in ‘'appwiz.cpl''-> click OK-> find Windows Defender-> click on Remove. Now, double click and run the Windows Defender setup file on your desktop.

Also, keep in mind that nothing turns off all security software at the same time except a malicious code. If you are still having problems, you might have done something recently that exposed your computer to threats. A freeware, untrusted websites, and sometimes even trusted websites through an ad or hacked page can infect your computer with a virus. If you are still having trouble at this point and you suspect that you have a virus or malware, you can check out our guide on how to remove a virus.

If you enjoyed this post, please Tweet or

-By Dominic

Web site and all contents © Copyright ComputerTooSlow.com 2012, All rights reserved.