How to fix Windows Defender group error 0x800704ec

Would you like to learn how to fix the fault? 0x800704ec of Windows Defender? Windows Defender is a feature built into Windows 10 to protect against malware. malware.

In some cases, Windows Defender may freeze with a Group Policy error when you try to access it.

Windows Defender What is it and how is it affected?

This can happen due to a recently installed antivirus or malware on your system. Windows Defender helps protect your system from viruses, spyware, and other malware. You don't need an additional antivirus because Windows Defender does everything to keep your computer safe, unless you need additional security and protection.

Windows Defender is considered a lightweight and well-integrated software compared to other antiviruses. It does not affect the performance of your system in any way.

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How to fix Windows Defender error 0x800704ec?

The solutions mentioned below can help you activate Windows Defender and resolve the issue. error code 0x800704ec. This is the error code associated with Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy.

1. Uninstall the antivirus

If you are facing Windows Defender stuck on error 0x800704ec with “Group Policy Error” issue after installing an antivirus, then it is possible that the antivirus has caused this issue. The antivirus program turns off Windows Defender in case of conflict. Then you can try to uninstall the antivirus.

• Step 1:: You should completely remove the antivirus from the system, because it does not know which antivirus software files might be involved.
• Step 2:: After uninstalling the antivirus, restart the system and check if the problem is resolved.
• Step 3:: If it is resolved after uninstallation, you can choose another antivirus software or contact technical support about it.

2. Modify the settings of a group policy

Nota: Windows 10 Enterprise and Professional users can only apply this solution. To disable or enable Windows Defender on Windows 10 Home version, you can use Settings, Services, and Registry Editor.

If you have not installed any new antivirus software and you still encounter the error code: 0x800704ec, you can check the Group Policy settings. Sometimes Windows Defender can be accidentally disabled, which causes Windows Defender to get stuck with Group Policy error. Do the following to resolve it:

• Step 1:: on your keyboard, press the shortcut key combination Windows + R to open the dialog box called Run, then type the command msc and press Enter.
• Step 2:: With the Open Local Group Policy Editor, go to Equipment setup ➞ Administrative templates ➞ Windows Components.
• Step 3:: Click Windows Defender Antivirus and then you double click on Disable Windows Defender Antivirus.
• Step 4:: Choose Not configured o Disabled and you click Accept.
• Step 5:: Restart your computer after making changes.

3. Activate Windows Defender through Windows 10 settings

You can solve the error 0x800704ec related to Windows Defender blocked and Group Policy failure enabling Windows Defender through Windows 10 settings. Sometimes, the Real-time protection may be disabled by certain software or viruses. Please do the following to resolve it:

• Step 1:: Press the keys Windows + Ito open the Windows 10 settings and then you click on Update and security.
• Step 2:: Click on Windows securityin the left panel, then under the right under Windows security, Click on Protection against viruses and threats.
• Step 3:: In the window Protection against viruses and threats, Click on Manage settings.
• Step 4:: Move the switch Real-time protectiona Enabled.

After changing the settings, you should check if this fixes the error. 0x800704ec and Windows Defender is still stuck with a group policy error.

4. Use the command line

You can run the command mentioned below in the symbol of the system.

• Step 1:: Escribe cmdIn the search menu, right-click Symbol of the system and select Run as administrator.
• Step 2:: In the console, type the following command and press the key Enter.
  • Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring 0
• Step 3:: Reboot the system after executing the command.

5. Use the registry editor

The Registry Editor is the database for all Windows-related settings. One of the ways to enable Windows Defender and fix the error 0x800704ec is to use the Registry Editor.

• Step 1:: Press the keys Windows + R to open the dialog Run, then type the command regedit and press Enter. Then navigate to the following option: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
• Step 2: Search Windows Defenderin the Microsoft folder and click on it. Once it opens Windows Defender, on the right panel you can see Disable AntiSpyware.
• Step 3: Right click on Disable AntiSpywareand click Delete.
• Step 4: Close the Registry Editor and restart your Windows 10 system.

6. Activate the Windows Defender service

If you don't want to go through the Registry Editor, you can solve the error 0x800704ec and enable Windows Defender through the Windows Services.

• Step 1:: Press the keys Windows + R to open the dialog Run, then type the command msc and press Enter.
• Step 2:: When the services window opens, look for the service named (Windows Defender Antivirus Service), when you find it you must double click on it.
• Step 3:: Then, you need to set the Start type en Automaticand then click Start. After making changes, click Apply.

7. Use the SFC utility

You can use the utility SFC to resolve the error 0x800704ec Windows Defender blocked with a Group Policy error. The SFC utility is used through the command prompt as follows:

• Step 1:: Escribe cmdIn the search menu, right-click Symbol of the system and then you click on Run as administrator in the context menu.
• Step 2:: In the console, type the following command: SFC / scannowand then you press Enter.

The verification process may take some time. After the scan, check if the error 0x800704ec  Windows Defender is still disabled due to a group policy error or if the error is resolved.

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As you will see, the seven methods that we presented to you are fully functional and can help you a lot with the error. 0x800704ec, please remember that if none of these guidelines or repair methods work, we recommend that you go to a qualified and professional technician. We hope we have helped you.