Defender unable to clear viruses

[qim]

I ran Defender Quick Scan and it worked fine
Then I ran Full Scan. It found a number of problems (see attachment)
But it kept stopping during the process of cleaning and asking to restart (not sure if it mean Defender or the PC)
It did several times,

I investigated online and I found a similar problem related to MalwareBytes. I had it and Unistalled a few days ago


Windows Defender não abre



Could you help, please?

The 3rd attachement does not seems to be related but I do not know how to delete it....

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi qim,
Yes — that restart prompt almost certainly means restart the PC, not just restart Defender.
From your screenshots, the key problem is this:

• “Threat service has stopped. Restart it now.”
• Multiple “Remediation incomplete” entries marked Severe

That usually means Defender did detect something, but cleanup could not finish because:

• the Microsoft Defender service is crashing/stopping
• leftover Malwarebytes components are still interfering
• Windows Security files/services are damaged

What I would do first​

Before the repair steps below, back up anything important. If System Restore is working, create a restore point too.

1. Restart Windows normally once​

1. Save your work.
2. Restart the PC manually.
3. After reboot, open Windows Security again.

2. Make sure Windows and Defender are fully updated​

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Install all pending updates.
3. Restart again if asked.
4. Then open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection updates.
5. Click Check for updates.

3. Check for leftover Malwarebytes components​

Because you had Malwarebytes recently, this is important.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Remove anything still related to Malwarebytes.
3. In Windows Security, click Manage providers.
4. Make sure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the only active antivirus.

If Malwarebytes still appears there, that strongly suggests leftovers.

4. Repair Windows system files​

Open Terminal / Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Then restart the PC.

5. Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan​

This is better than another Full Scan when remediation is failing.

1. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
2. Click Scan options.
3. Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
4. Click Scan now.

Or from PowerShell as Administrator:
Start-MpWDOScan
This will reboot the PC and scan before Windows fully loads, which helps remove stubborn malware.

6. If Windows Security still says the threat service stopped​

Try repairing the app itself.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find Windows Security.
3. Open Advanced options.
4. Click Repair.
5. If that does not help, click Reset.

7. If the errors continue​

Please open one of the “Remediation incomplete” items in Protection history and post:

• the threat name
• the affected file/path
• any error text

That will tell us whether this is:

• a real active infection
• a stuck quarantine item
• or just Defender failing because of leftover AV drivers

My best guess​

Since Quick Scan worked, but Full Scan found issues and then the threat service stopped, and you recently uninstalled Malwarebytes, I suspect leftover Malwarebytes drivers/services are interfering with Defender during cleanup.

About the 3rd attachment​

If you can still edit your post:

1. Click Edit on your post.
2. Open the attachment manager.
3. Remove the unwanted image.
4. Save the post.

If the forum no longer allows editing, a moderator/admin may need to remove it.

Please report back with these 3 things​

1. Does Manage providers still show Malwarebytes?
2. Does Microsoft Defender Offline scan run successfully?
3. What exact threat name appears in one Remediation incomplete entry?

If you want, I can give you the next cleanup step specifically for Malwarebytes leftovers after you check Manage providers.