How to Fix Malware Detected Windows Defender is Taking Action Error

Malware can cause several issues on your Windows 10 PC. Windows Defender is a great tool to keep your system safe and secure. However, sometimes Malware Detected, Windows Defender is taking action error plagues Windows 10 devices. Let’s explore the best solutions for this error.

Update Windows

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Right-tap on the “Start” button and then click “Settings.”
2. Select “Update and security” under the settings option.
3. On the right window, select “Check for Updates.”
4. Now you need to wait until the Windows download and install the updates on your device.

Now reboot your operating system.

Delete Windows Defender History

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Tap Windows + R hotkey to launch the Run command prompt.
2. In the run search field type “Event viewer” and hit the “Enter” button on your keyboard.
3. Enable the “application and service” features.
4. On the right side, you need to scroll down and locate “Windows Defender” and then double-tap on it. You can also right-tap to launch “Windows Defender.”
5. Right-tap on “Operational” and then select the “clear log.”

When the new window appears on your screen, click the “clear or save and clear” button.

Manually Delete the Deleted Files

Sometimes Windows Defender is not capable of deleting the files properly. So you need to visit the location and delete those files manually.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Right-tap on the “Start” button and then click Settings.
2. Select “Updates and Security” in the settings option.
3. On the left pane, click “Windows Security.”
4. Select “Virus and threat protection.”
5. Click “Protection History.”
6. Here you can see the name and location of the problematic files.
7. Now move to the shown location and then delete the folder and file.

Restart your operating system and then check for improvement.

Scan Computer with Alternative Security Software

Windows Defender is an in-built and powerful security tool in Windows 10. To fix this issue, you need to download and install powerful security software and run a system scan. Windows Defender will automatically get disabled when you completely download and install a new security application on your device.

Additionally, if you are using any third-party antivirus software on your device, you need to temporarily disable it and then run a full scan with Windows Defender. After the above process, restart your computer.

Clean Browser Data and Cache

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Tap on the menu option that appears on the upper-right on your screen as three vertical dots and then click “settings.”
2. Find the “Privacy & Security” option and then click “Clear browsing data.”
3. In the next screen, click “All time” into the Time range.
4. Select the entire box and then select “Clear data.”

Add an Exception When False Positive

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Launch “Windows Security” features on your screen.
2. Select “Virus and Threat protection settings” and then select “Add or remove exclusions.”
3. Select “Add exclusion.”
4. Find the problematic file and then add it.

source: https://rateearly.com/how-to-fix-malware-detected-windows-defender-is-taking-action-error/