Sometimes when you try to access the Window Defender but then you see Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy. Due to this, you are not allowed to access Windows Defender. Here is what this message actually says:

This program is blocked by group policy. For more information contact your system administrator. (Error Code: 0x800704ec)

Windows Defender is Blocked by Group Policy

The main reason for Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy might be the currently installed and active antivirus present on your system. Usually, antivirus disables Windows Defender automatically to prevent conflicting software operations on your system.

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How to Fix Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy Error

We have this article to provide you the methods to fix Windows Defender is blocked by group policy error.

Method 1: Basic Uninstall Solution

You can use the option of uninstalling any Antivirus software from your system regarding Windows Defender as the only protective software of the system. You can use the following steps to fix such an issue:

Step 1: At first, press both Windows key and R key together (Windows +R Key), then you will get a prompted window.

Step 2: Further, type appwiz.cpl in the run command window and hit the Enter button.

Step 3: Furthermore, you have to find out the Antivirus program to uninstall and click it. Then, select the Uninstall option.

Step 4: Then, you have to select Yes on the additional prompted Windows to ensure the uninstallation of the software.

Step 5: Finally, you have to restart your system and check whether your problem is solved.

If you have successfully uninstalled the antivirus from your system, use the below-listed methods  to access the Windows Defender:

Step 1: Firstly, press the Windows key.

Step 2: Then, select Control Panel there.

Step 3: Now, you have to type Windows Defender in the search bar and select the Windows Defender option.

Step 4: Finally, check whether Windows Defender is turned ON.

Has your problem been solved? If not, then go for another method.

Method 2: Advanced Registry-edit Solution

If your problem is not solved from the above method, then this method will help you to fix instantly through modifying the registry key. Some users consider this method complex however, we have listed the following easy steps to fix such issue:

Step 1: At first, press both Windows key and R key together (Windows+R KEY), then a prompted window will appear on the computer screen.

Step 2: Further, type regedit.exe in the run command dialogue box and hit the Enter button. Then, press the Yes button.

Step 3: Furthermore, click double on the following values from the left pane of the prompted list:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Policies > Microsoft > Windows Defender

Step 4: Then, from the left panel you have selected Windows Defender, you will get the “Default” named item in the right pane. Click double on it, then you will get a prompted window.

Step 5: Now, In the run command box, enter the Value 0 and press OK to continue.

Step 6: After that, press Windows Key and select the Control Panel option.

Step 7: Then, type Windows Defender in the search box and select the Windows Defender option.

Step 8: Finally, check whether Windows Defender is turned ON.

If you didn’t get out of rid of this irritating issue, then you may follow the below easy steps:

Step 1: At first, press both the Windows key and R key together. (Windows + R Key). Therefore, a prompted window will appear on your computer screen.

Step 2: Further, type regdit.exe in the command box and hit the Enter button. Then, you have to click Yes to save and continue.

Step 3: Furthermore, click on the following values:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Policies > Microsoft > Windows Defender

Step 4: After that, select the Windows Defender option and choose the DisableAntiSpyware option.

Step 5: Then, you have to click double on the Default named item.

Step 6: Now, you have to enter the Value 0 in the run command box and click OK.

Step 7: Then, press the Window key and select the Control Panel option.

Step 8: Further, type Windows Defender in the search box and choose the Window Defender option.

Step 9: Finally, check whether the Windows Defender is turned on.

Has your issue been fixed? If not, then go for the other method.

Method 3: Local Group Policy

Sometimes there might be an issue with your system and Windows Defender. However, your Windows Defender could be turned off sue to the Local Group Policy. You may easily check and alter the settings to enable the Windows Defender access. You can use the following steps to alter the settings:

Step 1: Firstly, press the Windows key and R key together (Windows + R KEY), then a prompted window will appear on your screen.

Step 2: secondly, type gpedit.msc in the run command box and hit the Enter button.

Step 3: then, under Computer Configuration, click double on the Administrative Templates option.

Step 4: After that, click double on the Windows Components option.

Step 5: Further, select the Windows Defender option and click double on the Turn off Windows Defender option.

Step 6: Furthermore, disabled it by select the Not Configured option. Then, press the Apply button and click OK to continue.

Step 7: Finally, restart your computer and try to access Windows Defender, and check whether your problem is solved.

If you did not get the desired results, then go for further options.

Method 4: Enable Windows Defender

You can’t turn on Windows Defender if you don’t have any installed antivirus on your computer. To enable it, you can follow these easy steps:

Step 1: At first, press both Windows key and R key together (Windows + R KEY), then a prompted window will open.

Step 2: Further, you have to type service.msc in the Run command box and hit the enter button.

Step 3: Furthermore, access Windows Defender and click double on it.

Step 4: After that, select Automatic under Startup type.

Step 5: Finally, restart your system and check whether Windows Defender Service is turned on.

Conclusion

We have provided you with the simplest way to fix the Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy error. We hope that one of these methods will help you to fix the issue Windows Defender Blocked by group policy!