Windows Defender - Windows 7 Service
Protection against spyware and potentially unwanted software.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 8 and Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows 7 edition | without SP | SP1 |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Home Basic | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Home Premium | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Professional | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Ultimate | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Enterprise | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Windows Defender |
| Service name: | WinDefend |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\svchost.exe -k secsvcs |
| File: | %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\mpsvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Windows Defender service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process. It shares the executable file with other services. If the Windows Defender fails to load or initialize, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows 7 startup should proceed, but a message box is displayed informing you that the WinDefend service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Windows Defender will not start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Windows Defender
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 7 edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsDefenderWindows7.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the mpsvc.dll file exists in the %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 7 installation media.