Simple Solutions to Resolve Windows Defender Startup Error 0x800704ec

I. How to fix Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec?

Error code 0x800704ec can appear when launching Windows Defender due to damaged group policy, interference from third-party antivirus programs, or corrupted system files. Below is an effective repair method.

1. Uninstall third-party antivirus software

To enable Windows Defender, first ensure to disable any third-party antivirus software. On your Windows 10 PC, right-click the Start button and choose Apps and Features. Locate and select your third-party antivirus program, then click Uninstall. After removing the antivirus, restart your PC and check if Windows Defender is active and the issue is resolved.

2. Open Windows Defender related services

To resolve the 0x800704ec error, ensure that Windows Defender-related services are activated. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Simultaneously press the Windows logo key + R to launch the Run dialog, enter "services.msc", and click “OK” to access the Services interface.

Step 2: Then right-click (Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service) and click (Start).

Step 3: Ensure that all Windows Defender services, such as the Firewall, Antivirus service, Antivirus Network Scanning Service, and Security Center service, are enabled. After verification, reboot your computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and selecting “Restart.” Then, rerun Windows Defender to check if the error code 0x800704ec has been resolved.

3. Change Group Policy Settings

To resolve the error code 0x800704ec, ensure that the Group Policy setting for “Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus” is not disabled. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Simultaneously press the Windows logo key + R to launch the Run dialog, enter "gpedit.msc", and click “OK” to access the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus, locate Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus on the right, and double-click it to open.

Step 3: Select Not Configured, then click Apply > OK. Restart your computer and relaunch Windows Defender to verify if the issue has been resolved.

4. Run DISM and SFC commands

DISM, an official Microsoft image tool, is typically employed to inspect and mend system image files, as well as to identify and purify registry items. The System File Checker (SFC) is adept at locating and rectifying corrupted or absent files in the system directory. For error code 0x800704ec resulting from compromised system files, executing DISM and SFC scans and repairs is an effective solution.

Step 1: Type cmd into the search box, right-click the result, and choose Run as administrator to launch the Command Prompt.

Step 2: Open the command prompt, paste DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and hit Enter. Afterward, type sfc /scannow and press Enter again.

Step 3: Allow adequate time for the completion of the process. After it concludes, perform a system restart by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting the reboot option. Once your computer boots up, launch Windows Defender to ascertain if the problem has been effectively addressed.

5. Perform Windows Update

To resolve the error code 0x800704ec, try updating Windows with the following steps:

Step 1: Simultaneously press the Windows logo key + I to access Windows Settings, then choose “Update & security.”

Step 2: Navigate to Windows Update on the left, press the Check for updates button on the right, and allow the system to finish updating. Once done, reboot your PC by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting Restart, then relaunch Windows Defender to check if the issue has been resolved.

To resolve Windows Defender error code 0x800704ec, follow the solutions provided. Should you encounter any loss of important data post-fix, consider the subsequent methods outlined for data recovery.

II. (Extended information) Use Renee Undeleter to recover lost data

1. What is Renee Undeleter?

Renee Undeleter is a professional data recovery tool designed to restore a vast array of data types, such as documents, photos, videos, and compressed files. It efficiently recovers files that have been lost due to accidental deletion, recycle bin emptying, disk formatting, or unintended partition deletion, ensuring that the recovery is possible provided the data hasn’t been overwritten. This software encompasses four key modules: Fast Partition Scan, Whole Partition Scan, Whole Disk Scan, and Image Creation, addressing a comprehensive spectrum of data recovery needs.

2. How to recover lost files with Renee Undeleter?

Step 1: Download and install Renee Undeleter on your Windows PC. Launch the program and select the “Fast Partition Scan” option from the main interface.

Do not install recovery software on the disk where you need to retrieve data to avoid overwriting. Additionally, refrain from saving new data to the partition where the file was lost to prevent further damage or total loss of the file.

Step 2: Select the partition containing the lost data and click Next to initiate the scan. Please wait patiently during this process.

Step 3: Choose Fast Scan and press Next to begin the scanning process.

Note that “Fast Scan” only examines the first 30GB of the selected disk’s unused space. Should the desired file not appear, opt for a Deep Scan to perform an exhaustive search. This process is lengthier—patience is advised.

Step 4: Once the scan completes, double-click to preview the file. Choose the file you wish to recover and click the Recover button to save it on a separate disk.