Windows 10 upgrades can result in Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) not being replaced by Windows Defender, which can lead to both MSE and Windows Defender being installed on the system. ..

In such cases, Windows Defender cannot be started because it is not able to find and start the program. This means that Windows Defender does not provide any protection to the computer, and even though Microsoft Security Essentials is always active, both the spyware and unwanted software protection and the antivirus protection are disabled. We have mentioned steps below to fix this issue.

Ways to Repair Windows Update Error 0x80070426

Running an SFC Scan

After clicking the Search icon, you will be able to search for files and folders on your computer. ..

To open the command prompt, type “cmd” (no quotes). ..

Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator from the results. Type “cmd” and hit enter.

Run the command below once Command Prompt has launched and it will clean up your computer and restore your health.

Checking if there are Software Conflicts

Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key+R on your keyboard. Type “cmd” and press Enter. Type “cmd” and press Enter. Click on the “Open command prompt” button.

The “msconfig” command can be used to change many system settings. This article will focus on the most important ones.

This will hide all of the Microsoft services from your computer.

Disable all the cookies.

The next step is to open the Start tab and click the Open Task Manager link.

Disable startup objects one by one. ..

Exit Task Manager and disable the startup objects.

Click OK and Restart to continue.

Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter

To open the Settings app on your computer, press Windows Key+I. After opening the Settings app, select Update & Security. Select Troubleshoot from the left-pane menu now. Click Windows Update in the right pane. To start the troubleshooter, click the button. To fix update problems, follow the troubleshooter’s instructions. ..

Final Words

If you experience this error, it is likely that your Windows 10 installation is not up to date with the latest security patches. To fix the issue, you can either update your Windows 10 installation or uninstall Windows Defender and reinstall it.