Windows Defender - Windows Vista Service
Scan your computer for unwanted software, schedule scans, and get the latest unwanted software definitions.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Basic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Premium | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Business | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ultimate | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
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 |
| Group: | COM Infrastructure |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Windows Defender service starts as LocalSystem and runs in a shared process of svchost.exe. If Windows Defender fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, 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 Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsDefenderWindowsVista.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 Vista installation media.