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0x80016CFA Windows Defender Error: How to Fix it
Expert solutions to get rid of the prompt
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
The Internet is largely unsafe unless you possess some technical acumen and the ability toidentify online threats.
And it’s often difficult to differentiate between a legit error and a scam. An example here is the Microsoft Defender error 0x80016CFA pop-up.
The pop-up appears when you browse the web and states that a serious malfunction has been detected. It lists a mobile number of a supposed Microsoft-certified technician to contact for a resolution. If you, too, saw the message on a browser, keep reading!
Is 0x80016CFA Windows Defender error a scam?
Yes, the Windows Defender error message in a browser is a scam! Microsoft never sends prompts when visiting a website, nor does it ask users to call for such issues. If there’s a problem with the PC orWindows Defender is not working, there will be an error message within the utility.
So far, the error has primarily been reported on Edge, but Chrome and Firefox, too, seem to be affected. Based on the information we have, it’s not a browser-centric issue.
Here are a few reasons you get the 0x80016CFA Windows Defender popup:
How do I get rid of Windows Defender error 0x80016CFA?
1. Terminate the process in Task Manager
The easiest solution for the problem is to kill all related tasks. In most cases, it’s a one-time popup, probably appearing on an individual website, and restarting the browser should work.
2. Clear the browsing data and reset browser settings
In most cases, it’s a problem with the browser itself that triggers the 0x80016CFA Defender error, and either clearing the browsing data or resetting to default should do the trick.
3. Scan for malware
When you get the 0x80016CFA scam message, it could be malware on the PC to blame. And running a system-wide scan with Windows Security would identify and eliminate it. Besides, some recommend using a reliable third-party antivirus for the job so that you may try one of these.
4. Uninstall the problematic application
When identifying the underlying cause, we can’t ignore the possibility of a program being responsible for the 0x80016CFA popup message. Start byuninstalling the recent apps, and once you have found the problematic app, reinstall the rest.
5. Perform a system restore
When nothing else works, you can always perform a system restore and revert to a stable state in case a recent change triggered the 0x80016CFA Microsoft Defender prompt. Remember that it might affect some installed programs.
And once you have fixed things, do not forget to check thebest security settings in Windows 11for enhanced protection.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Microsoft Windows Defender,scams
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
