How to fix Windows Defender error 0x80073afc?

Windows Defender Error 0x80073afc is usually caused by a corrupted file or folder in the Windows Defender program. This can happen if the program is not properly installed, or if a virus or other malicious software has corrupted the program.

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• Try restarting your computer and then opening Windows Defender
• Check for updates to Windows Defender
• Try running a full scan with Windows Defender

1. Try restarting your computer and then opening Windows Defender

1. Restart your computer.
2. After your computer restarts, open the task manager by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL.
3. In the task manager, click on the process with the error message.
4. On the properties of the process, click on the end task button.
5. In the end task window, select the restart button.
6. After your computer restarts, open Windows Defender.

2. Check for updates to Windows Defender

1. Open the Control Panel by clicking on Start, Control Panel and then clicking on Windows Defender.
2. On the Windows Defender window, click on the Update tab.
3. On the Update tab, select Check for updates and then click on the Check for updates button.
4. If available, Windows Defender will start to search for updates and then will display a list of available updates.
5. Click on the update that you want to install and then click on the Install button.
6. After the update has been installed, Windows Defender will restart.

3. Try running a full scan with Windows Defender

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Windows Defender icon.
2. Click on the "Scan Now" button.
3. If the "Scan Now" button is not available, you can access it by clicking on the "Scan" tab on the main window.
4. Click on the "Advanced" button.
5. Under "Scan Type," select "Full Scan."
6. Click on the "Start Scan" button.
7. If the "Start Scan" button is not available, you can access it by clicking on the "Advanced" button and then on the "Start Scan" button.
8. Windows Defender will start scanning your computer for viruses and other malware.
9. When the scan is complete, Windows Defender will display a progress bar and will give you the option to save the scan results.
10. Click on the "Save" button.
11. Windows Defender will save the scan results to a file on your computer.

If the answers above didn't work then you should also try:

1. Temporarily disable any other security software you have running on your computer and then try opening Windows Defender again.
2. Uninstall any other security software you have running on your computer.
3. Perform a clean boot of your computer and then try opening Windows Defender again.
4. Reinstall Windows Defender.