However, some users have reported a Windows Defender error message along the lines of: Windows Defender. Application failed to initialize:0x800106ba. The error message might pop up during the Windows startup, and Windows Defender doesn’t open. So, are you getting that software error? If so, here are a few potential fixes for it.

What can I do if Windows Defender fails to initialize?

1. Remove any problematic programs

First, note that any third-party software can cause such problems to Windows Defender especially some third-party antiviruses. Some utilities such as McAfee and Norton even disable Windows Defender to free up system resources and prevent potential software errors. So, if there is third-party antivirus software running, that might be why you’re getting the 0x800106ba error. You can uninstall the software accessing the Apps option from Settings, or you can use the dedicated uninstaller apps that come with the antivirus. But it’s a lot faster and more convenient to uninstall the programs with reliable uninstaller software to ensure there are no leftover registry entries. Hence, it is more efficient to entirely erase persistent applications from the PC and eliminate the ones that cause running issues with your Windows antivirus.

2. Turn Windows Defender off

If you only need to stop the 0x800106ba error message popping up, then switch Windows Defender off. Do that by following the simple steps above.

3. Check the Windows Defender Service Startup configuration

The Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service startup configuration must be either Automatic or Automatic (Delayed Start). If it isn’t, that’s probably why Windows Defender isn’t initializing. You can configure the startup type for Windows Defender as follows.

4. Re-register DLL files for Windows Defender

Finally, reregistering Windows Defender DLL files can also fix the 0x800106ba error so make sure you perform the simple steps above.

5. Check the latest Windows updates installed

5.1 Delete the most recent update It could be a recent Windows Update that actually breaks Windows Defender. If you suspect this may be the case, your best bet is to go and delete the most recent update. 5.2 Check for the most recent updates If uninstalling the latest update didn’t make things right, you can try the opposite action. As Windows Defender is a part of Windows 10, it receives updates through Windows Update. SPONSORED So, if the issue we’re dealing with is widespread, there’s a good chance Microsoft is working on the fix. To check if the patch is available, simply check for updates by going to Settings, selecting Update & security, and clicking on the Check for updates button.

6. Run the SFC scan

In case Windows Defender files got corrupt, there’s a good chance you’ll see all sorts of errors, including this one. To make sure the files are repaired, we’re going to run the SFC scan. This is a command-line tool that scans the system for potential damaged system files, and repairs them (if possible).

7. Restart the Security Center Service

Just like it’s the case with the Windows Defender service itself, the Security Center service is also crucial for running Windows Defender. In case this service doesn’t function properly, we’re going to restart it in order to bring it back to working conditions.

8. Change your group policy

If none of the previous solutions resolved the problem, you can try with changing the group policy. Those are some of the best fixes for the 0x800106ba error code. If you still can’t get Windows Defender up and running after applying those fixes, check out this comprehensive article for more fixes.

9. Install a third-party antivirus

Windows Defender is not a bad solution when it comes to security, but it’s pretty riddled with problems and errors like this one. You can just choose to ignore its issues and get yourself a third-party antivirus like the excellent software recommended below that will bypass the default security app. This tool is extremely easy to install and use although it has complicated, multi-layered protection technologies that will safeguard all your devices not only the PC. Yes, it can also secure your mobile, your router and webcam and make sure that your online transactions will never be hijacked. We can now conclude our guide hoping that you managed to fix the Application failed to initialize 0x800106ba Windows Defender problem and restore its functionality. If it still gives you more headaches, you can always replace it with one of the best antiviruses with unlimited validity from our list. Should you have other solutions or advice for clearing this problem, don’t hold back, write a comment in the section below.

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