How to Fix “Windows Cannot Find MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe” Error
Key Notes
- Understand that MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe is part of the Microsoft Defender app.
- In case of errors, consider refreshing associated services first.
- Reinstalling the Microsoft Defender app can often resolve persistent issues.
Troubleshooting the ‘Windows Cannot Find MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe’ Error
If you’re encountering the ‘Windows cannot find MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe’ error, this guide will provide you various solutions to resolve the issue effectively.
Resolving the ‘Windows Cannot Find MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe’ Issue
Follow these detailed steps to fix the ‘Windows cannot find MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe’ error when attempting to run the Microsoft Defender app:
Step 1: Refresh Microsoft Defender Services
Start by refreshing the various services related to Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Security. This process restarts the specific services necessary for the app. Here’s how to proceed:
- Click on Start, type Services, and press Enter.
- Scroll down to locate the following services:
- Windows Defender Service
- Windows Defender Network Inspection Service
- Windows Defender Threat Protection Service
- Windows Defender Firewall
- Web Threat Defense Service
- Web Threat Defense User Service
- Windows Security Service
Pro Tip: After refreshing services, check if the issue persists.
Step 2: Repair Using the Registry Editor
Repairing registry entries that might be affecting Microsoft Defender can also help resolve this error. This method is a bit advanced, so ensure you follow these steps carefully:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and hit Enter.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender. - Back up the registry key before making changes by right-clicking on the Windows Defender folder and selecting Export.
- Check for any discrepancies in the values and fix them as needed.
Pro Tip: Always create a backup of your registry before modifying any entries.
Step 3: Reinstall the Microsoft Defender App
If refreshing services did not resolve the issue, the next step is to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Defender app. Here’s how:
- Click on Start, search for Windows PowerShell, and click Run as Administrator.
- Input the following command and press Enter :
get-appxpackage -allusers Microsoft.6365217CE6EB4 | remove-appxpackage - After uninstalling, restart your PC and reinstall the Microsoft Defender app from the Microsoft Store.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check for any pending Windows updates prior to reinstalling to ensure compatibility.
Summary
In this guide, we explored the various methods to resolve the ‘Windows cannot find MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe’ error, including refreshing services, repairing the registry, and reinstalling the Microsoft Defender app. Following these instructions should help in restoring functionality to the app.
Conclusion
Resolving the ‘Windows cannot find MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe’ error is crucial for maintaining the security of your system. By following the recommended troubleshooting steps in this guide, users can effectively address the issues with the Microsoft Defender app and continue to enjoy a secure computing experience.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I get rid of the “Windows Cannot Find” Error?
To resolve this error, ensure you have typed the name correctly. Consider performing a system scan to check for malware. If the issue persists, reinstall the problematic app.
What should I do if an app can’t run on my PC?
You can try running the app in compatibility mode and check if it is compatible with your version of Windows. Alternatively, redownload the application or disable your SmartScreen feature for testing.