Effective Solutions for Error 0x80073B01 on Windows

Error 0x80073B01 is one of those unpleasant surprises that can interrupt a quiet day in front of the computer. It is a message that is usually related to Software conflicts, corrupted system files, or incorrect settings, and affects Windows Defender or the Windows update process. Although it seems like a complex technical problem, there are clear and effective solutions To solve it.

In this article, we are going to break down the problem step by step, exploring the most common causes of error and offering detailed solutions that can be implemented even if you don't have extensive technical knowledge. In addition, we will help you avoid similar situations in the future and optimize the performance of your equipment.

What is error 0x80073B01 and why does it appear?

This error code usually indicates a problem that can range from a conflict between security tools to corruption in system filesIt mainly appears when you try to use Windows Defender features or during the Windows update process. Common symptoms include being unable to turn on Windows Defender, find it in Control Panel, or perform security scans.

Some of the main causes include:

• Conflict with third-party security software: Programs like McAfee or Norton often interfere with the built-in features of Windows Defender.
• Damaged files: Especially after interruptions in system updates.
• Errors in the registry: Incorrect settings or corrupt entries in the Windows registry.
• Malware Issues: Infections that alter system functioning and disable native security tools.

Solutions for error 0x80073B01

There are various ways to approach this problem depending on the underlying causeHere we list the main solutions, organized from least to most complex.

1. Check for the presence of other security software

The first step to resolve this error is to check if you have any security software installed such as antivirus or third-party firewalls. These may conflict with Windows Defender, disabling or limiting its functionality.

To uninstall any third-party software:

1. Press the key Windows and type “Control Panel.”
2. Choose "Uninstall a program».
3. Look for any third-party antivirus in the list, Right click on the program and select “Uninstall”.
4. Finish the process and restart your computer.

2. Repair the Windows registry

A corrupted Windows registry can be the source of error 0x80073B01. Before applying changes, make sure to perform a registry backup.

To edit the record:

1. Press Windows + R and type “regedit”.
2. Navigate to the following locations and delete the entries msseces.exe:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\ImageFileExecutionOptions
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer \ DisallowRun
3. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

3. Run SFC (System File Checker) tool

System File Checker is a tool built into Windows that allows you to repair damaged system files.

To run it:

1. Open the Symbol of the system as administrator.
2. Write the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the tool to finish scanning and follow the instructions displayed.

4. Perform a malware scan

Malware can be the cause of many problems in Windows. Use a reliable antivirus program to Scan and remove all possible infections.

5. Restart Windows Update components

If the error occurs during a system update, Restarting Windows Update components may resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Symbol of the system as administrator.
2. Type the following commands to stop the update services:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
3. Rename the “SoftwareDistribution” and “Catroot2” folders by typing:
   • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
4. Restart the services by typing the corresponding commands with net start.

Preventing future problems

To prevent similar errors from happening again:

• Always keep updated both the operating system and the antivirus.
• Do not install more than one security program at a time.
• Performs periodic analyzes looking for malware.
• Avoid shutting down or restarting your computer during an update.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of facing errors like 0x80073B01 in the future.