Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service Not Starting

Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting is a common issue that can leave your computer vulnerable to security threats. With the increasing prevalence of cyber attacks and malware, it is essential to have a reliable antivirus program running at all times. However, when the Network Inspection Service fails to start, it can undermine the effectiveness of your Windows Defender and put your system at risk.

The Network Inspection Service is a crucial component of Windows Defender as it provides real-time monitoring and protection against network-based attacks. It scans incoming and outgoing network traffic, analyzes it for suspicious behavior or malicious content, and blocks potential threats before they can cause harm. When this service fails to start, it can leave your computer exposed to malware, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats. To ensure the security of your system, it is important to troubleshoot and resolve any issues preventing the Network Inspection Service from starting.

If you are experiencing issues with the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. First, try restarting your computer and see if the service starts automatically. If not, you can try running the Windows Defender Troubleshooter, which can fix common issues with the service. Another option is to reset the Windows Defender settings to default. If none of these steps work, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Common Reasons for Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service Not Starting

The Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service is a vital component of Windows Defender that helps protect your computer from network-based attacks. However, there are instances when this service fails to start, leaving your system vulnerable to threats. In this article, we will explore the common reasons behind the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting and provide potential solutions to resolve the issue.

1. Conflict with Third-Party Security Software

One of the primary reasons for the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting is a conflict with third-party security software installed on your computer. If you have another antivirus or firewall program running alongside Windows Defender, it can cause conflicts and prevent the Network Inspection Service from starting properly.

To troubleshoot this, you need to check if you have any other security software installed on your system. Disable or uninstall any conflicting third-party antivirus or firewall programs. Here's how:

Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
Select "Uninstall a program" under the "Programs" section.
Locate the third-party antivirus or firewall program and select it.
Click on the "Uninstall" button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Once you have removed the conflicting software, restart your computer and check if the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service starts successfully.

2. Corrupted Windows Defender Files

Another reason for the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting is corrupted Windows Defender files. If the necessary files for the Network Inspection Service are damaged or missing, it can cause the service to fail.

To fix this issue, you can use the Windows System File Checker tool, which scans and restores corrupt system files in Windows. Follow these steps:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)".
In the Command Prompt window, type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take some time.
If any corrupt files are found, the System File Checker tool will automatically try to repair them.
Once the scan and repair are finished, restart your computer and check if the Network Inspection Service starts.

Restoring Windows Defender Files through PowerShell

If the System File Checker tool does not resolve the issue, you can try restoring the Windows Defender files through PowerShell. Here's how:

Open the Start menu and search for "PowerShell".
Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select "Run as administrator".
In the PowerShell window, type the command Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} and press Enter.
Wait for the process to finish, then restart your computer and check if the Network Inspection Service starts.

3. Windows Defender Service Disabled

The Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service relies on the Windows Defender service to function properly. If the Windows Defender service is disabled, it can prevent the Network Inspection Service from starting.

To check if the Windows Defender service is enabled and running, follow these steps:

Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard.
Type "services.msc" in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
Scroll down and locate "Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service" in the list.
Right-click on the service and select "Properties".
In the Properties window, ensure that the Startup type is set to "Automatic" and the Service status is set to "Running".
If the service is not running, click on the "Start" button to start it.
Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Once you have ensured that the Windows Defender service is enabled and running, restart your computer and check if the Network Inspection Service starts successfully.

4. Windows Defender Updates

In some cases, the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service may fail to start due to incomplete or failed Windows Defender updates. Outdated or corrupt updates can interfere with the functioning of the service.

To address this issue, you can try updating Windows Defender manually. Here's how:

Open Windows Security by clicking on the shield icon in the taskbar or by searching for "Windows Security" in the Start menu.
Click on "Virus & threat protection" in the left navigation pane.
Click on "Check for updates" under the "Virus & threat protection updates" section.
If any updates are available, click on the "Download and install" button to install them.
Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and check if the Network Inspection Service starts successfully.

Further Troubleshooting Steps for Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service Not Starting

If the above solutions did not resolve the issue and the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service is still not starting, you can try the following additional troubleshooting steps:

1. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot allows you to start Windows with a minimal set of startup programs and drivers, which can help identify if any third-party software is causing the issue. To perform a clean boot:

Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard.
Type "msconfig" in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration window.
In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab.
Check the box next to "Hide all Microsoft services" to exclude them from being disabled.
Click on the "Disable all" button to disable all third-party services.
Go to the "Startup" tab and click on "Open Task Manager".
In the Task Manager window, disable all startup programs by right-clicking on each program and selecting "Disable".
Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Restart your computer.

After the clean boot, check if the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service starts. If it does, you can gradually enable the disabled services and startup programs to identify the one causing the conflict.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can detect and resolve issues related to Windows updates. To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.
Click on "Update & Security".
In the left pane, click on "Troubleshoot".
Scroll down and click on "Windows Update".
Click on the "Run the troubleshooter" button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the troubleshooter completes the process, restart your computer and check if the Network Inspection Service starts.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update Troubleshooter did not fix the issue, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. This process involves stopping the Windows Update service, renaming certain folders, and restarting the service. Follow these steps:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)".
Stop the Windows Update service by typing the command net stop wuauserv and pressing Enter.
Stop the BITS service by typing the command net stop bits and pressing Enter.
Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder by typing the command ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and pressing Enter.
Rename the Catroot2 folder by typing the command ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old and pressing Enter.
Start the Windows Update service by typing the command net start wuauserv and pressing Enter.
Start the BITS service by typing the command net start bits and pressing Enter.
Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

In Conclusion

If you are experiencing issues with the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting, it can leave your computer vulnerable to network-based attacks. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can address the underlying causes of the issue and potentially resolve it. Whether it's conflicts with third-party security software, corrupted files, disabled services, or outdated updates, there are various methods you can try to get the Network Inspection Service up and running. Remember to regularly update your Windows Defender and ensure that it is functioning properly to provide comprehensive protection for your system.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that while these methods have been known to resolve the issue in many cases, there is no guarantee that they will work in all situations. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing any of these steps, we recommend seeking assistance from a professional or contacting Microsoft Support.

Troubleshooting Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service Failure

Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service is a critical component of Windows Defender that helps protect your computer from network-based threats. However, sometimes you may encounter issues with this service not starting properly. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Restart your computer: A simple reboot can often resolve the issue.
Check for software conflicts: Verify if any other antivirus or security software is conflicting with Windows Defender. Uninstall or disable conflicting software.
Run Windows Update: Ensure that your operating system is up to date with the latest patches and updates.
Check Windows Defender settings: Open Windows Defender Security Center and review the settings to ensure that everything is configured correctly.
Perform a system scan: Run a full system scan with Windows Defender to check for any malware or security threats.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to seek professional assistance from a Windows support technician or visit the Microsoft community forums for additional guidance.

Key Takeaways:

If the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service is not starting, it could be due to a corrupt service or a conflict with another security program.
One possible solution is to restart the service using the Services management console.
Another option is to run a System File Checker scan to repair any corrupted system files.
Disabling conflicting security programs or performing a clean boot can also help resolve the issue.
If all else fails, reinstalling or updating Windows Defender may be necessary to fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having trouble with the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting? Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Why is the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting?

There are several reasons why the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service may not be starting:

1) The service might be disabled or stopped. 2) There could be a conflict with third-party security software. 3) There may be issues with corrupted system files. 4) The service might not be set to start automatically.

To determine the exact cause, you can check the Windows Event Viewer for any related error messages or consult the Windows Defender documentation for further guidance.

2. How can I enable the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service?

To enable the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service, follow these steps:

1) Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the Start Menu. 2) Go to "Virus & threat protection" and click on "Manage settings". 3) Scroll down to the "Network Protection" section and click on "Manage providers". 4) Toggle the switch to enable the "Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service".

If the service still doesn't start after enabling it, you may need to restart your computer or troubleshoot other possible issues using the Windows Defender troubleshooting tools.

3. How can I fix conflicts with third-party security software?

If you suspect that third-party security software is causing the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not to start, you can try the following steps:

1) Temporarily disable or uninstall the third-party security software to see if it resolves the issue. 2) Make sure that the software is completely removed, including any remnants or remnants in the registry. 3) Restart your computer and check if the Windows Defender service starts correctly.

If the service starts after removing the third-party security software, you may need to contact the vendor for further assistance or consider using an alternative security solution.

4. How can I fix issues with corrupted system files?

If the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service is not starting due to corrupted system files, you can try the following steps to fix the issue:

1) Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. 2) Type the command "sfc /scannow" and press Enter to initiate a system file scan. 3) Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer. 4) Check if the service starts after the restart.

If the issue persists, you may need to perform a more advanced repair, such as using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool or reinstalling Windows.

5. How can I ensure that the Windows Defender service starts automatically?

To ensure that the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service starts automatically, follow these steps:

1) Open the Services console by pressing Win + R, typing "services.msc", and pressing Enter. 2) Locate the "Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service" in the list. 3) Right-click on it and select "Properties". 4) Set the "Startup type" to "Automatic" and click on "Apply" and "OK".

After applying the changes, restart your computer and check if the service starts automatically. If not, you may need to troubleshoot further or seek assistance from Microsoft support.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing issues with the Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service not starting, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. First, ensure that your Windows Defender software is up to date by checking for updates. Additionally, make sure that your system meets the minimum requirements for running Windows Defender.

If the issue persists, you can try disabling other conflicting security software temporarily to see if that resolves the problem. It may also be helpful to perform a full system scan with Windows Defender to check for any malware or viruses that could be affecting the service. If all else fails, you can contact Microsoft support for further assistance in resolving the issue.