A Complete Guidance To Fix Windows Defender Error Code 0x80073afc

Windows defender error code 0x80073afc is one of the frequently occurring errors which the Windows Defender users can encounter while trying to perform a system file check. There is no doubt that once if this error occurs in your system, then you will not be able to continue doing work in your Windows system. This error occurs in the device due to several reasons. To know more about the causes of the error and the fixes for it, you have to follow this article to the end. Here you will get to know the step-by-step guide to solve this error immediately.

Causes Which Led to Windows Defender Error Code 0x80073afc:

There are more than one causes due to which you can encounter Windows defender error code 0x80073afc in your device. For instance-

  1. Due to corrupted registry entries, you can encounter this error in your Windows Defender.
  2. In some cases, you can also encounter this error due to third-party antivirus software.
  3. Due to some malicious software, you can also encounter this error with your device.
  4. You can also encounter this error due to an incomplete or corrupt installation of Windows 10.

Well, after knowing the process now let’s focus on the solutions to resolve it.

Effective Fixes for Windows Defender Error Code 0x80073afc:

Here is a comprehensive guidance using which you will be able to resolve this Epson printer error code 0xe5 without any hassle. So, try out these methods.

Method 1: Uninstall Third Party Software

Windows Defender is coded to work as antivirus software in your Windows 10. Now, Windows Defender cannot perform its own work with another third-party antivirus software. So, if you are getting this error in your device, then you have to uninstall your third-party antivirus software to resolve this issue. In that case, try to follow these steps.

  1. At first, you have to go to the Windows button and search for Control panel.
  2. Now, in the Control Panel, you have to go to the Programs and Features option.
  3. Here, you will be able to see a list of installed applications on your device.
  4. After that, you have to locate your third-party antivirus software.
  5. In order to uninstall it, you have to follow the onscreen instructions. After completing this action, you have to check the status of the error. If it persists, then try to follow the alternative method.

Method 2: Change the Registry

In case, if your registry entries got corrupted with the other corrupted programs, then as a result of that you can get this Epson printer error code 0xe5 in your device. So, now all you can do is edit the corrupted registry entries. But in that case, there is a possibility that changing registry entries manually can affect your device. So, at first, you have to keep a backup of it and after that, you have to perform an editing process with it. On that note, try to follow these steps:

  1. At first, you have to tap on the Windows Key + R at the same time to launch the Run dialog box.
  2. Here, you have to Enter regedit and press Enter to continue. Else, you can also tap on the OK button.
  3. Now, you have to go to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options key which is situated in the left pane.
  4. Now, you have to find MSASCui.exe, MpCmdRun.exe, MpUXSrv.exe or msconfig.exe keys. If you become successful to find any of them, then you have to right-click on it and select the Delete option.


After deleting the Registry keys, try to check the status of the error. If it persists, then try to follow the next method mentioned below.



Method 3: Uninstall Malicious Software

You can also encounter this Epson printer error code 0xe5 in your device due to some malicious software present in your device. In that case, you have to locate MpCmdRun.exe, MpUXSrv.exe, MSASCui.exe and msconfig.exe files or folders in this directory: directories: %AppData%, C:\Windows\Temp, %temp% and C:\Program Files\.

You will be able to access these folders easily by pasting its address in the File Explorer. Once done, hit the Enter button to continue. In case, if you locate any corrupted files and folders, then you have to delete them and check whether you are able to fix this error or not. Further, if you won’t be able to fix this error, try to follow the alternative method discussed below.

Method 4: Check Glitched Updates

According to some user’s experience, you can also encounter this error in your device due to some glitched updates. In order to resolve this error, you have to follow these steps:

  1. At first, you have to open the Settings application.
  2. After that, you have to navigate to the Update & Security section.
  3. Now, in the Windows Update tab, you have to tap on the Advanced options.
  4. Once done, you have to tap on the View your update history option.
  5. After that, tap on Uninstall updates option.
  6. Here, you will be able to see all the installed applications. Now, you need to locate the update which you want to remove.
  7. Now, try to place a double click on it to remove it.
  8. In that case, you have to remove the glitched updates. In order to prevent this issue appearing further, you have to block the glitched installation process.


Method 5: Perform System Restore

You can also resolve this Epson printer error code 0xe5 by performing the system restore process. In that case, try to follow these steps:

  1. At first, you have to tap on the Windows key and the S at the same time to launch the System Restore tab.
  2. Now, you have to choose to Create a restore point option.
  3. When you are able to see System Properties window, tap on the System Restore button.
  4. When the system restore starts, then tap on the option named Next.
  5. Once done, you have to choose the Restore point which you want to revert to and after that, try to tap on the Next option.

Now, you have to follow the onscreen instructions in order to restore the PC.


Method 6: Update Windows

As Windows defender is a part of Windows 10, it will be retrieved by the Windows update. In order to perform this action, you need to apply these steps:

  1. At first, you have to go to the Settings.
  2. Now, go to the Updates & Security option.
  3. Once done, you have to check for the updates.


After completing these steps, you will be able to resolve this error quickly.

Method 8: Run SFC Scan

In case, if you won’t be able to resolve this Epson printer error code 0xe5 by the methods described above, then you can run SFC scan process to resolve this error. This will scan your computer and will resolve these potential issues. In that case, try to follow these steps:

  1. At first, you have to right-click on the button which is situated in the Start Menu button. After that, try to open a Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Now, you have to enter the command which is sfc/scannow.
  3. Wait for some time until the process completes.
  4. It will automatically resolve the glitch.
  5. Once done, you have to close the Command Prompt as well as you have to restart it.

Method 9 – Run DISM

DISM is another tool with the help of which you will be able to resolve this Epson printer error code 0xe5. In that case, try to follow these steps:

  1. At first, you have to open the Command Prompt option.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, you have to enter the command mentioned below and hit the Enter button to continue.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.

Now, wait until the process finishes.

  1. Once done, you have to restart your computer.

In case, if your DISM, failed to obtain files online, then you have to use installation USB or DVD. Once done, you have to type these commands:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess
Make sure to replace ”C:\RepairSource\Windows” path of your DVD or USB.
Follow further on-screen instructions to complete this process.


Method 10: Clean Out Registry

As per some experts, some users reported that Windows Defender fails to perform its work due to some inconveniences present in your registry. So, in order to eliminate this bug, you should try to clean out the registry.

After cleaning it out, you have to check the status of the error. If it persists, then try to follow the alternative method mentioned below.

Method 11 – Check Environmental Values

Sometimes, third-party applications can change the values of these directories. As a result of which, you can encounter this error with Windows Defender. So, you have to be sure that these values are set correctly. To check this, try to follow these steps:

  1. At first, you have to tap on Windows Key + S at the same time to get into the Advanced System settings.
  2. After that, you have to choose View advanced system settings options from the Menu.
  3. Then, you have to tap on the Environment Variables button.
  4. Now, you have to find the Locate %ProgramData% variable and check whether it is set to C:\ProgramData. If it is not set, then you have to change the variables.

Method 12: Change System Preferences

Due to wrong system permissions, you can also encounter this Epson printer error code 0xe5. In case, if some permissions are set to block Windows defender, then it will not work. So, you have to be sure that you can check these permissions. Use these steps to complete the method.

  1. At first, you have to navigate to the C:\ProgramData directory.
  2. After that, you have to find Microsoft directory as well as right-click on it.
  3. From the Menu option, you have to choose the properties Window.
  4. After that, you have to remove all inherited permissions. After performing these steps, you have to check whether you are able to resolve this error or not.

If you won’t be able to troubleshoot this error, you should try out the alternative method.

Method 13: Restart the Security Service

As you encounter this Epson printer error code 0xe5 if the security service of the Windows Defender is not running properly. To check this, you have to follow these steps.

  1. At first, you have to tap on the Windows key + R at the same time to launch Run dialog box.
  2. Here, you have to type services.msc and hit the Enter button or tap on the OK button to continue.
  3. In the Services section, you have to locate the Security Center. Once done, you have to right-click on it.
  4. Now, tap on the Restart option.

After performing all of these steps, if you won’t be able to troubleshoot this method, then you can follow the alternative method.

Method 14: Change the Group Policy

In case, if you notice that you have all necessary permissions, and all of the services are running, then also you are getting this error then you have to perform some changes in the Group Policy editor. In this case, try to perform these steps:

  1. At first, you have to tap on the Windows Key + R at the same time to launch the Run dialog box and hit the Enter button to continue or tap on the OK button.
  2. Once you invoke in the Group Policy Editor, in the left pane of it, go to the Computer Configuration as well as you have to go to the Administrative Template.
  3. Now, you have to go to the Windows Components. Open the Windows Defender Antivirus.
  4. After that, in the right pane, you have to double click on Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus option.
  5. Now, you have to tap on the Not Configured button and tap on the Apply button. Further, click on the OK button in order to save the changes.

Method 15: Reset Windows 10

If all of the previous solutions won’t work for you, then you have to reset your Windows 10 device to fix Epson printer error code 0xe5. In that case, if you reset Windows 10, then resetting Windows 10 can delete all of the installed applications.

Final Recommendation

Throughout this article, experts have provided step-by-step guidance on how to fix Epson printer error code 0xe5. By using this guidance, you will be able to resolve this issue without any hassle. On that note, try to follow each and every step carefully. Try to avoid step jumping. In case, if you encounter any kind of glitches with it, then you can leave a comment in the comment section.

Maria Colombo
Maria Colombo
Articles: 1205