Fix: Security Essentials Error 0x8050800d

Microsoft has included a pretty handy antivirus program inside Windows that helps to protect the PC against harmful spywares i.e. Windows Defender. It also prevents the users from installing additional third-party antivirus program that requires a purchase in a number of cases. And most importantly, Windows defender provides the same functionality as other paid antivirus programs do.

A number of users have encountered this error while scanning with Windows Defender, receiving messages such as, “Your PC couldn’t be scanned,” “Security Essentials couldn’t scan your PC,” or “Some history files couldn’t be displayed.” Please wait a few minutes and try again. If that doesn’t work, clear the history and then try again. It also displays an error code 0x8050800d, prompting users to close the program. This error is quite frustrating for those who primarily rely on Windows Defender.

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Reasons behind this error 0x8050800d:

The most probable reason for this error infecting Windows Defender is a conflict between Windows Defender and a third-party antivirus program currently or previously installed on the PC. Thus, these conflicts lead to this error message while scanning the PC.

Solutions to Fix Error 0x8050800d:

I understand that this problem is a nightmare for you. Therefore, I am providing some methods that should prove helpful. You must ensure that any third-party security software is disabled or uninstalled.

Method #1: Disabling and Re-enabling Windows Defender:

This method is quite helpful if you are encountering the error 0x8050800d in Windows 8 or Windows 10.

Follow these steps properly.

1. First of all, you should remove the remnants of the previously installed security software. You can uninstall these programs manually, or you can also use the Revo Uninstaller tool to find and uninstall the programs automatically.

2. Disable Windows Defender by performing these steps on Windows 8 and Windows 10.

3. Open the Local Group Policy Editor by searching for it in the Windows search field.

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4. In the left pane, navigate to the following folder using the hierarchy structure mentioned below:

Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Defender

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5. In the left pane, find “Turn off Windows Defender” and double-click on it to open a new window.

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6. In the window that appears next, select the “Enabled” radio button at the top left of the window, and then click on the “Apply” and “OK” buttons.

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7. After disabling Windows Defender, navigate to the following folder and delete it. To access this folder, unhide the hidden files.

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans

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8. After removing the Scans folder, re-enable the Windows Defender program using the same procedure mentioned above. It should create the necessary file automatically, and your issue will be resolved.

Method #2: Run a System File Checker Scan.

If, for some reason, the above method doesn’t fix the error associated with your Windows Defender program, then you will be required to run a System File Checker Scan in order to check for corrupted or missing system files and to fix/restore them to their normal state.

To run the SFC scan, click on the following link and follow the instructions. At the end of this process, you will be able to resolve this error.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.