Some Windows users may experience error code 0x80073b01 when using Windows Defender security software. This error prevents access to some features of Windows Defender, posing a security threat. In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix Windows Defender error 0x80073b01.
With this error code, you may get the following error message –
An error has occurred in the program during initialization. If this problem continues, please contact your system administrator.
Error code: 0x80073b01
Microsoft Defender Error 0x80073b01 on Windows 10
To fix the Microsoft Defender Error 0x80073b01, use the following methods:
1. Remove third-party security software
If you have a third-party program installed, you must first remove it. This is because the 3rd party security software blocks system file services so chances are this is the problem. To remove security software, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
- On the next page, select Apps > Apps & Features on the left column.
- Then move to the right pane, scroll down, and search for the antivirus program installed on your system.
- Once you find it, click on it and select the Uninstall button.
- When a new dialog appears, click the Uninstall option to confirm it.
Once you complete the above process, restart your computer and see if Windows Defender is now working properly. If not, continue to the next workarounds.
2. Modify the Registry Editor
This solution requires you to modify some registry entries. But before going to the steps, make sure you know the things you’re going to do. It’s because incorrectly using Registry Editor files can be dangerous and can cause some serious issues in your computer. So, if you’re comfortable with the Registry Editor, use the steps otherwise skip this method.
- Click on Start, type regedit, and press the Enter key to open the Registry Editor.
- If UAC prompts on the screen and asks for your permission, click Yes.
- Inside the Registry Editor window, expand the left-side navigation to the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/WindowsNT/Current Version/Image File Execution Options HKEY_CURRENT-USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current version/Policies/Explorer/DisallowRun
- Once you’re at the given address, delete the msseces.exe entry from both of them.
- Restart your device and your problem should be fixed now.
3. Re-register Windows Defender DLL files
Another method you can try to solve this problem is by re-registering the Windows Defender DLL files. Here are the steps to do so:
- Press the Windows+X keys and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list.
- If UAC prompts on the screen and asks for your permission, click Yes.
- Inside the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter after each one:
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll regsvr32 wucltui.dll regsvr32 softpub.dll regsvr32 wintrust.dll regsvr32 initpki.dll regsvr32 wups.dll regsvr32 wuweb.dll regsvr32 atl.dll regsvr32 mssip32.dll
- After re-registering the DLL files, restart your computer and see if it fixed the issue.
4. Run an SFC scan
Sometimes corrupted or damaged system files might be also responsible for such an issue. So, the next method suggests you run the System File Checker utility as it will restore if any broken system files. Here are the steps you can use to run this tool:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Inside the command prompt window, type the command given below:
sfc /scannow
- Press Enter to start the scanning procedure.
5. Enable Windows Defender Services
If you’re still facing the Error Code 0x80073b01 on your computer, chances there is that some Windows Defender services are stopped. Here are the steps you can use to make them enable:
- Open the Run dialog box using the Windows+R keys.
- In the dialog box, type services.msc and hit Enter.
- Scroll down to the Windows Defender Antivirus Service and then double-click on it.
- Inside the properties window, set the Startup type to Manual using the drop-down menu. Also, click on the Start button to make the Service status – Running.
- Click Apply > OK.
After enabling the Windows Defender Antivirus Service, also open some other services and check their status:
- Windows Defender Firewall – Automatic
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection – Manual
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service – Manual
I hope some of the methods in this post helped you to resolve the Windows Defender Error Code 0x80073b01. In case you have any queries or suggestions, let’s know in the comment section.
