Updated April 2025: Stop these error messages and fix common problems with this tool. Get it now at this link
Windows Defender error code 0x80016CFA is a pop-up scam message. It is also a tech support scam that warns you to call the number displayed on the screen for professional service. This type of pop-up error takes up the entire screen of your web browser and freezes it, giving you a blue screen.
You don’t have to worry about this error, but you should take the right steps to remove the malware from your system and reload your web browser. Here, we will quickly explain the cause of the problem and solutions for Window`s Defender error code: 0x80016CFA so that you can try to fix and fix the error.
Table of Contents:
What is the cause of Windows Defender error code 0x80016CFA?
If you see this type of pop-up window when you open your default browser, your computer is probably infected with adware that has taken over your browser. In most cases, this is made possible by a browser hijacker that security researchers call Rogue Tech-Support-Scam.
It’s a tech-support scam that aims to trick users into calling a toll-free support number for help. When they do, they are greeted by people claiming to represent Microsoft and trying to extort money from them.
So if you see this error message on your browser, DO NOT call the toll-free number. Instead, you should follow a series of instructions to remove this adware from your computer so that the pop-ups stop appearing. Depending on the type of malware you are dealing with, there are different ways to deal with this problem.
Most often, you have let the malware infect your computer after clicking a link or opening an email attachment.
How to repair Windows Defender error code 0x80016CFA?
This tool is highly recommended to help you fix your error. Plus, this tool offers protection against file loss, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. If you already have a problem with your computer, this software can help you fix it and prevent other problems from recurring:
Updated: April 2025
Removing unwanted extensions and reset your web browser
One of the most common causes of Windows Defender error code 0x80016CFA is a browser corruption error. This can be caused by a number of reasons, including faulty browser extensions and add-ons.
If your browser displays error code 0x80016CFA, the first thing you should do is to remove the suspicious extensions and then reload the web browser. The steps may differ depending on the browser you are using, but the basic principle is the same.
- Open your web browser and click the Plus button (three dots) in the upper left corner.
- If you’re using Google Chrome, select “Other Tools” and click on “Extensions”.
- For Microsoft Edge, you will find the Extensions option right after clicking on the Plus button.
- Now find the suspicious extension and click the Uninstall button.
- Then go to Settings by clicking the More button.
- In the left pane of the browser, find the On Startup option and click on it.
- Select Open specific page(s) and click Use current pages.
- Select the suspicious pages you want to remove and delete them.
- Now click on Add New Page and select the page you want to use as your browser home page.
- Then go back to Settings and select Reset Settings.
- Wait for the process to complete. Then check to see if the error has been fixed.
If the problem is due to a faulty browser extension or a bug in the browser, you can fix it by reloading the browser.
Removing the faulty application
If you encounter Windows Defender error code 0x80016CFA after installing a certain application, it is possible that the newly installed application is corrupted. In this case, we recommend uninstalling the application, as simply deleting corrupted files is not enough.
If you delete the corrupted files but do not remove the application, it will most likely infect your system again.
- Run the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys at the same time.
- Type “appwiz.cpl” in the text box and press Enter. The Programs and Features window will open.
- Now find the suspicious program and right-click it.
- Click Uninstall and follow the instructions on the screen to remove the application.
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