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Can't activate Windows Defender Firewall and can't run Windows Security

Anonymous
2022-06-17T17:43:40+00:00

Hello!
I believe my laptop has got some sort of virus and I am not sure what to do.
Microsoft Photos wasn't working and I tried to update it but got an error with Code: 0x80073D0A. After looking it up, I found that this might be related to security so I tried opening Windows Security to run some checks. However, the app wouldn't open. I then found that Windows Defender Firewall's settings needed to get updated but when I tried to do so, I would get an error with Code: 0x800706d9. I tried some troubleshooting that I found on older threads (such as Automatically diagnose and fix problems with Windows Firewall ) but nothing works.

I suspect that all these issues are related to each other because they started happening after I installed some not super safe programs, which might mean that the laptop got some virus. Shall I try installing some third-party anti-virus?
If someone could help me, I would be very grateful.
Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-06-17T19:30:55+00:00

    Hi juve938383-

    I'm Kevin B. Windows user like you. I do apologize for the inconvenience, let me help you sort things out.

    Have you tried to uninstall the program that might cause the issue?

    What happened when you open the Windows security?

    Kindly download a free trial version of third party anti virus program for the meantime to scan your computer:

    https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/thankyou

    Run the exe file then scan your machine and remove some unnecessary files that might causing the problem in your machine.

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    Please let me know what will happen. Hope this will help and have a blessed day!

    Thanks,

    Kevin B.

    Independent Advisor

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-06-18T15:36:38+00:00

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-06-18T15:26:15+00:00

    Hi @Kevin Bart. !

    After a Windows update, the firewall is back up, Photos is fixed and Windows Security starts running because its logo appears on the right side of the taskbar. However, when I try to open it, it still doesn't open. I get a pop-up window saying "You'll need a new app to open this windowsdefender link.".
    Any idea on what I might do to fix this?
    Thank you!

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-06-18T15:14:12+00:00

    I meant "anti-virus". lol

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-06-17T19:14:06+00:00

    The main AV security apps have free online scans, eg BitDefender, McAfee, Norton, Then there is malwarebytes free

    (PS I don't think you meant this :) "Shall I try installing some third-party virus?"

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