windows defender– this program is blocked by group policy (errer code: 0x800704ec)

If you are encountering the error code 0x800704ec while trying to use Windows Defender, it means that the program has been blocked by group policy. This error can occur due to various reasons, such as a malware infection, a third-party antivirus program, or a misconfiguration in the group policy settings.

Here are some steps you can take to fix the issue:

1. Check for malware: Malware infections can often interfere with the functioning of Windows Defender. Run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus program to detect and remove any malware from your system.

2. Disable third-party antivirus: If you have installed a third-party antivirus program on your system, it may be conflicting with Windows Defender. Try disabling the antivirus temporarily and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Modify group policy settings: If the issue is caused by a misconfiguration in the group policy settings, you can modify the settings to allow Windows Defender to run. Here’s how:

– Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
– Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
– Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus.
– Double-click on “Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus” and select “Disabled”.
– Click on “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.

4. Reset Windows Defender: If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting Windows Defender to its default settings. Here’s how:

– Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
– Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
– Type the following command and press Enter: “net stop WinDefend”
– Type the following command and press Enter: “cd %ProgramFiles%Windows Defender”
– Type the following command and press Enter: “MpCmdRun.exe -resetplatform”
– Type the following command and press Enter: “net start WinDefend”

These steps should help you resolve the error code 0x800704ec and allow you to use Windows Defender without any issues. If the problem persists, you may need to seek further assistance from a professional.

Conclusion

I hope these steps were helpful in resolving the error code 0x800704ec and allowing you to use Windows Defender. If you have any further issues or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance from a professional. Remember to keep your system updated and protected to prevent such errors in the future.

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