Cannot get Windows Defender to turn on its virus and spyware protection

[moniuch]

Windows 8.1

I have uninstalled all anti virus software and I am trying now to turn on Windows Defender spyware or virus protection.





I am getting the famous 0x800704ec error.





Having looked at some recommended solutions I am worried that my Windows Defender is corrupt.


1. services.msc lists only two items whose names start with Windows Defender,





while solutions usually show 5 of them: https://cdn.windowsreport.com/wp-co...-is-turned-off-by-group-policy-services-2.png


2. I have regedit items mentioned nowhere else




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