How to Fix Windows Security’s “Unexpected Error” in Windows 10 & 11
Windows Security incorporates the Microsoft Defender antivirus utility. However, some users can’t select to run Microsoft Defender scans because of an error message that says: “Unexpected error. Sorry, we ran into a problem.” That “Unexpected error” message pops up for some users when they select theVirus & threat protectiontab in Windows Security.
Consequently, theVirus and threat protection tabis inaccessible. That error means there’s an issue with the Windows antivirus tool. This is how you may resolve the “Unexpected error” issue.
1. Check for New Windows Updates
First, check for and install available Windows patch updates. Microsoft releases many patches to update Microsoft Defender. So, a patch update could feasibly resolve a Windows Security bug. Ourguide to manually updating Windowstells you how to check for and install new updates in Settings.
2. Run System File and Image Scans
System file issues might be causing the “Unexpected error” on your PC. To check if that’s the case, run a System File Checker scan within the Command Prompt. Such a scan will repair the corrupted system files detected. Our guide onutilizing the SFC tool on Windowstells you how to scan system files with that utility.
It’s also recommended to run a Deployment Image Servicing and Management scan, which can resolve Windows system image issues. The System File Checker tool doesn’t work when there are issues with the system image. So, try executing this command before the SFC scan as well:
3. Remove Third-Party Antivirus Software
Do you have an alternative third-party antivirus tool installed on your PC? If so, then there’s a possibility that antivirus software is causing the issue by conflicting with Microsoft Defender. At least try turning off the third-party AV utility by right-clicking the system tray icon for the app and selecting a disable context menu setting.
If disabling the third-party antivirus software works, you have two options. You can re-enable that antivirus software and utilize the alternative antivirus scanner it provides. Or you can completely uninstall the third-party antivirus software if you prefer Microsoft Defender. Our guide to removing Windows software includes numerous methods for uninstalling programs.
4. Modify the Windows Defender Registry Key
This registry tweak for modifying aDisableAntiSpywareDWORD is one of the most widely confirmed fixes for the “Unexpected error” issue. So, maybe this could the “Unexpected error” solution you’re looking for as well. To apply this potential fix, edit the registry as follows:
5. Reset the Windows Security App
Resetting Windows Security is worth trying whenever that app isn’t working right. In this case, something is up with the antivirus component of that app. You can reset that app within Settings or by executing a PowerShell command. Our article aboutresetting Windows Securitytells you how to apply this potential resolution in three different ways.
6. Run a Malwarebytes Scan
The “Unexpected error” can sometimes be caused by malware targeting Windows Security. Yet, users can’t purge malware with Windows Security because of the error. So, try running a scan with the freeware Malwarebytes version. Some users have said utilizing that software helped them resolve the “Unexpected error” issue. This is how you can run a Malwarebytes scan:
If this potential resolution works, you could keep Malwarebytes installed for manual scanning. It’s a 14-day trial of the Premium version, and the real-time protection will only last a couple of weeks. However, you can disable the Malwarebytes protection to ensure it doesn’t conflict with Microsoft Defender by right-clicking the utility’s system tray icon and deselecting theMalware,Ransomware,Exploit, andWeb Protectionoptions.
The Microsoft Safety Scanner is an alternative to Malwarebytes you can run a malware scan with as well. However, that’s only a temporary scanning utility that expires after 10 days. You can download that utility from thisMicrosoft page. Check outour Microsoft Safety Scanner guidefor details about to purge malware with that tool.
7. Check the “Turn Off Microsoft Defender Antivirus” Group Policy Setting
If you’re a Windows Pro or Enterprise user, check that the theTurn Off Microsoft Defender Antiviruspolicy isn’t enabled in Group Policy. You can check that policy in the following steps:
8. Reset Windows or Perform an In-Place Upgrade
Resetting Windows is a troubleshooting method that restores the platform to a default (factory) configuration. The Reset this PC tool gives you a simple way to reinstall the platform and preserve user files, but you’ll need to reinstall apps.
Applying a Windows resetmight resolve some deeper system issues causing the “Unexpected error” issue. However, it’s only advised to do so if none of the other potential solutions suggested here work.
An in-place upgrade is an alternative troubleshooting method to resetting Windows. Performing an in-place upgrade will reinstall Windows by installing the latest build version. So, it’s like a reset, but the advantage is that an in-place upgrade preserves the apps you’ve installed. This guide toperforming an in-place upgrade on Windowsprovides full instructions for upgrading Windows 11 in such a way.
However, you could feasibly upgrade to a new Windows version via Settings. OpenWindows Updatein the Settings app to see if there’s a version upgrade available. If so, select to upgrade to the latest Windows build from there.
Run a Scan With Windows Security Again
You’ll probably be able to access the antivirus-scanning options in Windows Security again after applying the potential solutions covered here. So, try applying all those potential “Unexpected error” resolutions in the order specified to find one that works on your Windows PC. you’re able to also contact theMicrosoft Windows support servicefor further assistance but give the potential fixes outlined here a try first.
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