Some of them experienced this error code when they are installing the applications from Windows Store as well. We hope that if you have landed in this article, that means you are facing the same error either of any two forms and could not resolve it. That’s why through this post, we are going to reveal some helpful methods by which you can solve this error at earliest.
It’s known that the Windows Operating System in the current tech world is the most extensively used by millions of people. Simultaneously it has the largest market share, and you can find using this OS both for home/ personal computers and even at the offices in the world. Further, it has designed in such a way that you can accomplish any task with ease.
Besides providing a convenient way to operate sometime, we also come across error code or error messages while using the Windows operating system now and then. These errors appear like bugs and get fixed with a quick restart. On the other hand, some errors may even damage your system, and users will also have a difficult time dealing with these problems. Therefore, we will discuss on the above stated one such error known as error code 0x800704ec. Also, see the reasons for this error to happen on Windows 10 PC.

What does Windows Defender 0x800704ec Error Code Mean?

The first thing we must note when this error occurs is that the error is not related to any software or hardware component. The Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec is a Windows notification that appears on any Windows OS version linked with an issue in Windows in-built antivirus (Windows Defender).

We all know that Windows Defender is the in-built and ultimate security for your PC. Microsoft Company has first made the Windows Defender available for download to Windows Vista and Windows 7 users. Later on, from Windows 8 and Windows 10 version, it has incorporated into the OS. Windows Defender is the first line protection and antimalware tool to your PCs, which defends against various kinds of attacks and online threats.

Generally, Windows Defender will also pop-ups errors in two situations for the Error Code 0x800704ec to appear. The first one when users try to turn it on. The second one is when they download any application from the Windows Store. When this error appears on Windows PC, the user can view a warning message screen, similar to the screenshot below.

In many scenarios, when users run the Windows Defender, they have experienced situations like the entire system stops responding and turns grey, making users worry a lot. Further, they could not do anything except restart the system forcefully. Even it also goes the same with the second situation where the users try to download the application from Windows Store, where the store becomes unresponsive. As usual, it will display a code mentioning that “Your PC ran into a problem” with 0x800704ec error code. The first thing that you will observe during this error is that your computer will slow down gradually. You will also face constant crashes when you are attempting to operate Windows Defender scans.

What are the possible reasons for Error 0x800704ec to Occur in Windows PC?

Before you proceed further for solving this error, it is necessary to verify the possible reasons why this error message is occurring, and one of them can also be from your end. So you go through the below-known causes for the error code 0x800704ec

• If you’re seeing Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec, then it can cause due to incorrect configuration of Windows system files or damaged, Improper, broken Windows registry files.
• It can also cause due to interference of third-party antivirus software like Norton, AVG, Avast, and Malwarebytes that you use which create a misconfiguration in settings.
• In some scenarios, corrupted Group policy settings may block Windows Defender.
• The virus attack can also be one of the causes for Windows error code 0x800704ec to happen that may corrupt your system files.
• Furthermore, if the Windows Defender Services has turned off/ disabled, you can also come across this error code.
• Besides, due to the inappropriate sync among your Windows defender and Windows setup, using vulnerable apps or software, even when the hard disk runs out of space to run defender, is another cause for this error.

5 Best Ways to Fix Windows Defender Error Code 0x800704ec in Windows 10 PC?

Windows error code 0x800704ec is one of the annoying error which does not permit you to turn on or activate Windows Defender. Due to this, your first line of protection gets disabled, and your PC may also get exposed to vulnerable threats. Simultaneously, it also becomes less secure in most of the ways. That’s why you follow the below mentioned possible solution that helps to solve and free up your PC from this error code within no time. So let’s start by going ahead with the below fixes one after the other until you resolve.

1. Enable / Turn On Windows Defender Service: 

The first and foremost solution that everyone needs to follow when they encounter Windows Defender 0x800704ec error is to check whether the Windows Defender Services has turned on or enabled. Suppose, if this service has enabled in Windows, then you will not face any error. Generally, the antivirus software installed on the system will disable the Windows Defender program service. Therefore, you need to start running that service if it has stopped. For this, you should proceed with the below-mentioned instructed steps:

• To begin with, you must hold Windows Key + R conjointly on the keyboard to start the RUN dialogue box. Consequently, you need to type services.msc in the empty box and hit the OK button.
• Next, on the Windows service screen, you need to move towards the bottom. Alongside this, you must look for the Windows Defender service and later check whether it is running or not.
• Here you have to look for the other services linked with the Windows Defender. The services include Windows Defender Antivirus, Network Inspection Service, Advanced Threat Protection, Antivirus Service, Service, Security Center Service, and Firewall.
• In case if you notice that the Status column is blank, and service is not running, then right-click on each Windows Defender related service. After that, choose the Start option to enable the service. You can follow the same process for all the services one after the other till every service has enabled/ running.
•Once you have completed the above-stated process, then restart your system.

Now, you have check whether the 0x800704ec error shows up or not. In case, if the error remains still, then proceed with the next method.

2. Remove or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software:

As stated above, the primary reason for the error code 0x800704ec problem to occur on your PC is due to installing third-party antivirus software. Suppose if you have any antivirus existed on your system, then it might conflict or interfere with Windows. Hence to rectify this Windows defender error code 0x800704ec issue, you need to either uninstall or remove it. So, if you prefer to uninstall the Antivirus program, then follow the below-mentioned process.

• Firstly, click the Windows logo key and then go to the search box at the bottom and type control in it. Now you have to choose the Control Panel from the displayed list.

Now, the Control Panel screen appears and tap on the Programs section. In the next screen under the Programs & Features segment, you have to choose the Uninstall a Program option.

3. Change or Alter the Group Policy Settings:

Sometimes Windows Error 0x800704ec may also appear due to the improper or not correctly configured Group Policy Setting, which may conflict with Windows Defender and stops it. To fix this, you need to proceed with the below process to change or alter the Group Policy Settings.

• Initially, you have to hold the Windows Logo and R at a time to initiate the Run dialogue box. Next, you have to enter the gpedit.msc in the search field and click on the OK button.

4. Modify the Windows Defender Registry Values 

From the above method, if you couldn’t solve the issue. Then there is another way to fix the Windows Defender error 0x800704ec by using registry editor tweak.

To do so, you must go through the following instructions carefully.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan to Clean Corrupted Files & Optimize the System:

General, if your computer has the corrupted, damaged system files, then this may also lead to the cause of error code 0x800704ec. Therefore it is advised to check by running the System File Checker tool / SFC Scannow command. By using this command, it will scan and fix any existed corrupted or inappropriate Windows system files. So let’s go on with the below steps:

• First of all, you go to the Windows start menu and then type cmd in the search box. Now the Command prompt result appears, and you have to right-click on it to choose Run as Administrator option.
• After that, it will open the Command Prompt screen with admin privileges.
• Alternatively, the users can also Press Win Key + X and select the Command Prompt (Admin).