Windows Defender Error Code 0x80073b01 – 5 Solutions for It

When using or opening Windows Defender, you may receive the Windows Defender error code 0x80073b01. If there is a conflict between Windows Defender and another security program that you have on your computer, or there are corrupted system files, the error code will appear.

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Now, let’s see how to remove the error code 0x80073b01 in Windows Defender.

Solution 1: Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus

You need to completely remove the third-party antivirus to fix the Windows Defender error code 0x80073b01. If you have installed Webroot, Bitdefender, or AVG, you can refer to the following posts to perform the uninstallation.

• How to Uninstall Webroot on Windows/Mac? Follow the Guide!
• How to Uninstall Bitdefender on Windows/Mac/Android/iOS?
• How to Uninstall AVG on Windows and Mac | Can’t Uninstall AVG

Solution 2: Run SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files may also lead to the “Windows Defender error code 0x80073b01” issue. Thus, you can try to fix it by using the SFC and DISM utilities.

1. Type cmd in the Search box and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type sfc /scannow and then press Enter to run the SFC scan.

3. Then, restart your PC and run Command Prompt as an administrator again.

4. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one.

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 3: Check the Windows Defender Service Status

You need to check the Windows Defender services status to fix the Windows Defender error 0x80073b01. Here is how to do that:

1. Type services in the Search box to open it.

2. Check if the following services are running.

Windows Defender Firewall – Automatic | Started

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection – Manual

Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service – Manual

Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service – Manual

Solution 4: Modify the Registry Items

You can also modify the registry items to fix the Windows Defender error code 0x80073b01. Changing the system registry items can be risky for your system. Thus, you had better back up the registry items in advance or create a system restore point for the system.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box. Now, type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.

2. Delete msseces.exe from the following paths:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/WindowsNT/CurrentVersion/Image File Execution Options

HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Policies/Explorer/DisallowRun

Solution 5: Update the Operating System

It’s recommended to update your Windows to the latest version to fix the Windows Defender error code 0x80073b01.

1. Press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings.

2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update, and click Check for updates. If there are any new updates, you can download and install them.

Final Words

Have you ever encountered the “Windows Defender error code 0x80073b01” issue? Take it easy and this post is helpful for you. Here, multiple ways are introduced to you. You can try them one by one until the issue gets fixed.