How to fix “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” alerts?

Question

Issue: How to fix “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” alerts?

Hi, I have a problem I hope you could help me with. I use Windows Defender as my antivirus, and recently I have been receiving spammy messages from the app with BrowserModifier:Win32 detection. However, these notifications don't disappear. Any idea how to fix “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” alert?

Solved Answer

“Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action to clean detected malware” is an alert that Windows Defender users might encounter at random times. Essentially, it indicates that some type of malicious software was detected on the computer, and the security app is attempting to eliminate it. However, some users encounter recurring pop-ups, so they are seeking for help when trying to fix “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” spam.

Windows Defender has a relatively hectic past. Previously known as Microsoft Security Essentials, the anti-virus software can be downloaded by Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users for free. While users appreciated its ease of use, the detection and protection rates were not brilliant, and third-party competitors even accused Microsoft of violating the competition law.[1] With the release of Windows 8, the anti-virus tool was renamed to Windows Defender and began to be shipped as a built-in component within the operating system.

Over the years, Windows Defender has been drastically improved and is considered to be one of the leading anti-malware solutions, often surpassing third-party vendors in protection and detection rates.[2] Considering the app is free, it becomes an excellent choice for many home users. However, it does come with certain downsides, and the spam of “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action,” or similar messages is one of them.

“Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” is an issue since the malware is detected repeatedly, and users don't know how to stop these notifications. Essentially, the infection and all its files should be eliminated immediately after they have been detected. When that does not happen, it means that there are some issues that should be addressed.

How to fix "Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action" alerts?Fix "Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action" alerts

“Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” can occur due to several different reasons, although the most common one is third-party security software. Initially, Windows Defender had compatibility issues when used along with other anti-malware tools. While this problem was addressed over the years, some security tools still might be a problem for Windows Defender.

Additionally, some malicious files might not be removed appropriately – some malware can interfere with the actions taken by Windows Defender. The threat can then be eliminated manually. Alternatively, you can also employ alternative/third-party anti-virus and perform a full system scan with it.

Finally, repeated “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” pop-ups might also indicate a false-positive. In such a case, the detected file or folder should be added to exceptions – we explain how to do that below.

Tip: some malware might damage your Windows in a way that it won't be able to run properly anymore, and you might start facing crashes, lag, BSODs,[3] and similar problems. If you want to fix these issues automatically, we suggest using repair software FortectMac Washing Machine X9.

Fix 1. Update Windows

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Windows Defender gets its database definition updates via the Windows update process. Thus, you should make sure that your OS is running the latest version:

  • Right-click on Start and select Settings
  • Go to Update & Security
  • On the right side of the window, click on Check for updates Update WindowsMake sure that Windows Defender is fully updated
  • Wait till Windows downloads and installs the updates
  • Reboot your PC.

Fix 2. Delete Windows Defender history

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.
  • Type in Event Viewer in Windows search box and hit Enter
  • Expand the Applications and Services logs section
  • Expand Microsoft section and press on Windows
  • On the right-side, scroll down to Windows Defender and double click it (or right-click and select Open)
  • Right-click on Operational and pick Clear log Clear Windows Defender logsClear Windows Defender logs
  • In the new pop-up window, either pick Save and Clear or Clear (the former will save the log so you can view it later).

Fix 3. Delete the detected files manually

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

In some cases Windows Defender is incapable of deleting the detected files correctly. Thus, you should go to the location that the program is indicating and eliminate the malicious files.

  • Right-click on Start and select Settings
  • Go to Update & Security
  • On the left side, pick Windows Security
  • Click on Virus & threat protection
  • Select Protection history Delete file manuallyDelete file manually
  • In here, you will the name and the location of the problematic file
  • Navigate to the shown location and delete the file/folder.

Fix 4. Scan the computer with alternative security software

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

While Windows Defender is a powerful security tool, reputable third-party AVs are capable of performing a more complex scan. Thus, you should download and install powerful security software and perform a full system scan. Once you install the new security app, Windows Defender should automatically turn off.

Additionally, if you already used third-party security software, you should try temporarily disabling it and then performing a full scan with Windows Defender.

Fix 5. Clear browser cache and data

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

Browsers accumulate a significant amount of data over time. Some of it might be related to insecure websites – background connections could be established due to this, resulting in repeated detection, and the “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action to clean detected malware” pop-ups.

  • Click on menu (three vertical dots at the top-right) and select Settings
  • Locate Privacy and Security section and select Clear browsing data
  • In the new window, select All time under Time range
  • Tick all the boxes and click Clear data Clear browser dataClear browser data

Fix 6. Add an exception if it is a false-positive

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.
  • Open Windows Security section once again
  • Go to Virus & Threat protection
  • Under Virus & Threat protection settings, click Manage settings
  • Scroll down to locate Exclusions section and then pick Add or remove exclusions
  • Click on Add an exclusion Add an exceptionAdd an exception if the detection is a false positive
  • Locate problematic file and add it

After performing these steps, you should no longer receive the “Malware detected Windows Defender is taking action” pop-ups repeatedly.

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Prevent websites, ISP, and other parties from tracking you

To stay completely anonymous and prevent the ISP and the government from spying on you, you should employ Private Internet Access VPN. It will allow you to connect to the internet while being completely anonymous by encrypting all information, prevent trackers, ads, as well as malicious content. Most importantly, you will stop the illegal surveillance activities that NSA and other governmental institutions are performing behind your back.

 

Recover your lost files quickly

Unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time while using the computer: it can turn off due to a power cut, a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) can occur, or random Windows updates can the machine when you went away for a few minutes. As a result, your schoolwork, important documents, and other data might be lost. To recover lost files, you can use Data Recovery Pro – it searches through copies of files that are still available on your hard drive and retrieves them quickly.

 

About the author
Julie Splinters - Computer optimization specialist

When it comes to computer optimization, Julie Splinters is the expert. Whether it is a slow smartphone, Windows, Mac or Linux operating system, she will find a solution within minutes.

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