Whenever I switch my PC on, I see error code 0x8007426 which asks me to contact the system administrator if the error occurs again. What am I expected to do? Why do I see this error?
Way To Solve Windows Defender Error Code 0x8007426
In the latest version of Windows 10, MSE is removed, and Windows Defender is currently used in its place. Due to some files of MSE interfering with the working of Defender, error code 0x8007426 appears. The problem can be fixed by simply uninstalling MSE and allowing Defender to perform its working. The steps are:
- Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard and R key together and type taskmgr in the Run window that opens next. Look for the Windows Defender service and right-click on it and select stop.
- As you have temporarily disabled defender software, you can now uninstall MSE.
- To do so, make your way to the Control Panel, click on Program & Features, then click on Uninstall a program, and select MSE to uninstall it.
- Restart your computer after doing so.
- Now make your way to Settings, click on Update & Security. Select on Windows Defender and confirm that its Real-time protection is switched on.
- Now again go back to the task manager and confirm that Windows Defender is enabled.
Way To Solve Windows Defender Error Code 0x8007426
Error code “0x80070426” basically refers to a non-genuine copy of the Microsoft Windows operating system. But if you verify that you have a legit copy then it refers to a different problem. If you are using Windows 10 and it is an upgrade from an earlier version, the error might be referring to the built-in antivirus of Microsoft Windows.
Earlier versions of Microsoft Windows like Windows 7 can be installed optionally with Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft Windows 10 is built-in with an antivirus called Windows Defender. Now, when you upgrade from an earlier version of Microsoft Windows that has Microsoft Security Essentials installed to Windows 10, Windows Defender takes over.
On the other hand, about ten percent (10%) of all Windows 10 upgrades, something goes wrong and Windows Defender fails to replace Microsoft Security Essentials ending with an operating system that has both Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender. In this case, Windows Defender fails to start.
Even if Microsoft Security Essentials is always up and running, its “Virus Protection” and “Spyware & Unwanted Software Protection” are both turned off or disabled. Now, when the user tries to enable the disabled protection, you will receive “An error has occurred in program initialization. If this problem continues, contact your System Administrator. Error Code: 0x80070426”. To fix the problem, you simply need to uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials.
To do this, press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to bring up the Windows Task Manager then go to “Services” tab and locate the “WinDefend” service, the Windows Defender Service. Right-click it and select “Stop”. Next, go to “Control Panel”, “Programs & Features” then “Uninstall a Program”. Locate Microsoft Security Essentials then uninstall it. After this, restart your computer.
After booting, go to “Settings”, “Update & Security” then select “Windows Defender”. Check that “Real-time protection” is enabled or turned on. Again, press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to bring up the Windows Task Manager then go to “Services” tab and make sure the Windows Defender service is running.
