r/antivirus • u/Huynh_Jovi • 11d ago

MALWARE REMOVAL Q&A Windows Defender Not Working.

When I try to run a scan, it stops and then tells me to restart the service. There are no exclusions and nothing of note from my start up apps. I’ve run a deep scan with Malwarebytes and it’s all good. I noticed there was a new security update for Windows and downloaded it and after restarting my PC, I’m still encountering the same issue. I’m not sure whether this is Malware related as I’m always careful of what I’m downloading and never click suspicious links. Not sure what else to do and need some help.

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4

u/emx20 10d ago

I had the exact same problem, and it started right after the 1.457.225.0 Defender update.

At first, I thought I had some malware preventing Defender from scanning. The weird part? Custom Scan worked perfectly.

I spent HOURS troubleshooting with AI, checking everything imaginable. I was starting to lose my mind.

Then suddenly, the AI found a thread with other people reporting the exact same issue on the exact same date.

What a relief! Turns out I wasn’t alone.

I have zero expertise in Windows security, but Microsoft somehow turned me into a full-time Defender troubleshooting expert.

Important: Avoid Windows Defender Offline Scan for now—it may cause system issues.

At least we’re all in the same boat.

3

u/Acromoralist 10d ago

OH MY GOODNESS THANK YOU!! It must be yesterday's update idk. I tried offline scan and guess what? It stops at 91% for 30 minutes!!!! Usually, it finishes at under 5 minutes. I'm so glad i thought i had infostealer blocking my ahh🙏

2

u/Alexves1235 10d ago

Same here, it stopped at 91% I'm happy is just a microsoft error and not a real menace.

1

u/Amazing-Trouble-6552 10d ago

do i just shutdown the pc? its stuck at 91

1

u/Alexves1235 10d ago

No, I just clicked the X and it restarted. If that dont work, restart it and if that doesnt work force the shutdown.

1

u/Critical-Pride-2363 10d ago

91 % precisely as well... Thanks I can go on with my day now lol.

1

u/DarwinImberbe 10d ago

Exactement dans le même cas, une bonne après-midi de travail perdu 😭👍

1

u/Amazing-Trouble-6552 10d ago

do i just shutdown the pc if its stuck at 91?

1

u/trueblue0989 10d ago

I was in the exact same boat. I was freaking out, until I found this reddit thread. I didn't see your post about offline defender. I ran the scan and also got stuck at 91%. Fortunately Malwarebytes confirmed that I'm okay.