Windows 10: Windows Defender Firewall stuck "Stopping" in services

This is causing a huge headache for me as I just upgraded to Windows 11 from Win 10 a week ago and I immediately noticed this issue with the Windows Firewall. I can't get it to restart or change any settings. When I click on it in Services, everything is greyed out and it says its set to run automatically. I've tried running: "dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth" as well with no effect.I also am having problems downloading anything from the Windows store, which I believe is related and I tried all these methods in this post as well: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/

:)

 

Windows Defender Firewall error code 0x800706d9

Hi AnudieKatz.

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Since you are facing an issue with the Windows Defender firewall, I would like to ask you few questions to get a better picture.

1. Are you using any other Anti-virus software?
   
2. Since when are you facing this issue?
   
3. Have you tried installing Picture viewer and Calendar app after it getting uninstalled?
   

Based on your information, I would like to inform you that if you are using third party anti-virus program Windows defender will automatically turn off from your system you will not able turn it on manually.

Let’s try simple troubleshooting steps and check if this helps in resolving the issue. Follow the below methods.

Method 1: Check the following services and ensure it is started.

1. Press Windows and R key together on your Keyboard.
   
2. Type Services.msc and hit Enter.
   
3. Search for the following services:
   

• Base filtering engine Service
• Remote Procedure Call Service
• Windows defender firewall service

4. Start the above services and reboot the device.

Method 2: I would suggest you to try running the troubleshooter to enable the firewall. Use the below link to run the troubleshooter.

Automatically diagnose and fix problems with Windows Firewall - Microsoft Support

If you are still facing the same issue after following the above steps, revert with the details asked.


Hope it helps.

Mala.S

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Windows Defender Firewall showing On and Off at the same time

Hi Jerry,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that the Windows Firewall shows as switched off even after turning it on. For better understanding of the issue, please answer the questions below.

1. Which build version of Windows are you using currently?
   
2. Are you aware of any changes being made to the PC?
   
3. Do you have any security software/firewall installed?
   

Meanwhile, I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below and check if that helps.



Method 1:



I would suggest you to run the troubleshooter for Windows Firewall and check if that helps. Refer the article

Automatically diagnose and fix problems with Windows Firewall



If the above method doesn’t t work, please follow the next method.



Method 2:



I would suggest you to try enabling the services responsible for Windows Firewall and check if that helps.

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open
   Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for ‘Run’.
   
2. In Run dialog box, type services.msc and hit enter.
   
3. Now look for the services: Security Center,
   Windows Defender Antivirus Service, Windows Defender Firewall Service,
   Windows Defender Advanced Thread Protection Service,
   and Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service.
   
4. Right click on each service and click on Start.
   

If the above method doesn’t work, please try the next method.



Method 3:



I would suggest you to check if any conflicting registry entries are present which are blocking Windows Defender Firewall to turn on.



Note: Important this section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow
these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs.



Refer the article on
How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open
   Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for ‘Run’.
   
2. In Run dialog box, type regedit and hit enter.
   
3. Now navigate to the location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
   
4. Look if there are any registry keys named: MSASCui.exe, MpCmdRun.exe or MsMpEng.exe.
   
5. If there are any such entries, then delete them by right clicking and selecting Delete.
   
6. Click on Yes.
   
7. Restart the PC.
   

If the issue persists, please get back to us with the results of troubleshooting steps to assist you further.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Windows Defender - Firewall and Network Protection

Hi,

We suggest that you try restarting Windows Defender service and check if issue is resolved. Follow the steps below:

• Press Windows key + X key and type services.msc,
  hit enter.
• Search Windows Defender Service.:1)Windows Defender Service ; 2)
  Windows Defender Network.
• Right click on each and press Start.
• Restart your computer and check if issue persist.

Let us know if you need further assistance.