[Top Solution] How to Fix 0x80004004 Errors in Windows 10

If you’re using Windows Defender, chances are you’ve encountered 0x80004004 errors at some point. This error usually pops up when Defender fails to download updated definitions from the Microsoft website. If you’re looking for a solution to fix these errors in Windows 10, this tutorial is here to help you out.

Most of the time, error 0x80004004 occurs due to a configuration problem. Defender runs into an issue that prevents it from functioning properly and as a result, it displays this error. While Defender may still be working, it won’t have the latest files needed to detect the newest threats. This can leave your computer exposed if you solely rely on Defender for protection (although, that’s not recommended).

How to Resolve 0x80004004 Errors in Windows 10

There are a couple of methods you can try to resolve 0x80004004 errors in Windows 10. Let’s start by making sure everything is in order.

1. Open the Windows Search (Cortana) box and type in ‘services’.
2. Locate the Windows Defender service and ensure that it is running and set to Automatic.
3. Select the Windows Defender service, right-click on it, and choose Restart. Allow the service to restart and then test it again.

If you encounter the 0x80004004 error again, let’s try something else. If you have both third-party security software and Windows Defender, you might need to disable the third-party software before you can upgrade.

1. To access system icons, click the up arrow in the bottom right of your Task Bar.
2. Right click on your antivirus icon and look for an option that says “disable” or something similar. Different products have different methods and wording.
3. Do the same for any other malware or file monitoring software that you have running.
4. Now, try updating Windows Defender again.

If that doesn’t work:

1. Type ‘defender’ into the Search Windows (Cortana) box, but don’t hit Enter yet.
2. Right click on “defender” in the menu and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Try updating Windows Defender with elevated permissions.

Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as running an application as an administrator to get programs working again. Even if your user account has admin privileges, Windows 10 may still separate file permissions at a different level. Following this process can help overcome that.

If things aren’t working out, we can try reloading Windows Defender with a fresh version from Microsoft. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the Malware Protection Center website and download a fresh, up-to-date copy of Windows Defender.

2. Install the software and follow the wizard to set it all up.

3. If you use a third-party firewall, make sure to allow Defender through it.

4. If necessary, restart your computer and test it again.

Our final step to fix 0x80004004 errors in Windows 10 is to manually update Windows Defender. I saved this step for last because it’s not the ideal solution. We don’t want to rely on manual updates for our security, but if the other steps don’t work, we have no choice.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Visit the Microsoft antimalware and antispyware software website.

2. Scroll down to the download links and select the appropriate version of Windows Defender for Windows 10 (x32 or x64).

3. Download and install the update.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to remember to do this regularly to keep Windows Defender up to date, which is not the best outcome. Depending on your needs, you might want to consider running System Restore instead.