Windows Defender Service keeps stopping

Question

Windows defender service keeps stopping all the time. After enabling it, it only runs for a couple of seconds but then stops automatically. I don't know what's the reason but I suspect malware infection since Google Chrome now doesn't install extensions, giving me the NETWORK_FAILED error. I am running Windows 8.1 Pro on a 64-bit machine.

What to do ?

If you suspect malware have you tried scanning using anything other than Defender? — Karan, Jun 20 '15 at 15:29
Yes, I tried Adware Cleaner, TDSSKiller, Software Removal Tool and Junkware Removal Tool. All didn't work except that last one, which found some suspicious files but after deleting them, nothing changed. — Amr Ayman, Jun 20 '15 at 16:08

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 22 '17 at 05:35

1

I had a similar problem with Windows 10. To fix it, I had to uninstall Spybot. Windows Defender is now working as intended.

answered Jan 22 '17 at 05:35

Nannooskeeska

111

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 01 '16 at 13:12

On the Microsoft Community I found a interesting post about that, that show you can try to troubleshoot this problem. Just try one after the other.

1. Restart your PC
2. Remove existing antivirus and antispyware software
3. Scan your PC for malwares
4. SFC scan
5. Clean Boot
6. Restart Security Center Service
7. Delete conflicting Registry Entry

Besides aspect (3), did you also tried the other ways?

If thas wasn't enoght, Google gives you many other instructions for troubleshooting Windwos Defender problems.

Windows Defender Service keeps stopping

2 Answers2