How to Fix "Windows Defender Threat Service Has Stopped. Restart It Now"

Overview

Windows Defender, Microsoft's built-in antivirus software, is essential for protecting your computer from malware and other threats. However, sometimes Windows Defender can encounter issues, such as the "Windows Defender Threat Service Has Stopped. Restart It Now" error. This error can prevent Windows Defender from functioning properly, leaving your computer vulnerable to attacks.

Causes of the Error

There are several factors that can cause the "Windows Defender Threat Service Has Stopped. Restart It Now" error, including: * Corrupted Windows Defender files * Malware or virus infection * Firewall or antivirus software conflicts * System registry errors * Hardware problems

How to Fix the Error

There are several steps you can take to fix the "Windows Defender Threat Service Has Stopped. Restart It Now" error: 1. **Restart your computer.** This is the simplest solution, and it often resolves the issue. 2. **Run the Windows Defender Troubleshooter.** This tool can automatically diagnose and fix common Windows Defender problems. To run the troubleshooter, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Defender > Run the troubleshooter. 3. **Reset Windows Defender.** This will restore Windows Defender to its default settings. To reset Windows Defender, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Reset Windows Security. 4. **Reinstall Windows Defender.** If other troubleshooting steps fail, you can reinstall Windows Defender. To reinstall Windows Defender, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Uninstall Windows Security. Then, restart your computer and reinstall Windows Security from the Microsoft Store.

Contact Microsoft Support

If you have tried all of the above steps and the error persists, you can contact Microsoft Support for assistance. Microsoft Support can provide additional troubleshooting guidance and, if necessary, help you repair or reinstall Windows Defender.

Additional Tips

In addition to the steps outlined above, there are some other things you can do to help prevent the "Windows Defender Threat Service Has Stopped. Restart It Now" error from occurring in the future: * Keep your Windows 10 operating system up to date with the latest security patches. * Regularly scan your computer for malware and viruses using a reputable antivirus software program. * Be careful about what websites you visit and what files you download from the internet. * Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders.