How to fix MS Defender constantly stating "Something went wrong. Wait a bit and try again."

Follow these steps in order, focusing on Microsoft Defender and Windows Security components:

1. Ensure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled
   1. Open Windows Security (search for Security in Start, then select Windows Security).
   2. Select Virus & threat protection.
   3. Select Virus & threat protection settings.
   4. Make sure Real-time protection is toggled On.
   Note: If another antivirus is installed and active, Microsoft Defender Antivirus may be disabled automatically. In that case, either remove the third‑party product or leave Defender disabled and manage devices via that product instead.
2. Remove or fully disable third‑party real‑time antivirus Running more than one real‑time security product can cause errors and update issues.
   1. Uninstall MalwareBytes or any other third‑party real‑time antivirus from appwiz.cpl (Control Panel → Programs and Features) if Microsoft Defender is intended to be the primary antivirus.
   2. After uninstalling, restart the device.
   3. Optionally, run the Microsoft Safety Scanner to ensure the system is clean.
3. Verify Microsoft Defender Antivirus services
   1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
   2. Run:

            Get-Service WinDefend, WdBoot, WdFilter, WdNisSvc, WdNisDrv, SecurityHealthService, wscsvc |
              Format-Table -Auto DisplayName, Name, StartType, Status
      

   3. Confirm these expected states:
      • Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service (WinDefend): StartType = Automatic, Status = Running
      • Microsoft Defender Antivirus Mini-Filter Driver (WdFilter): StartType = Boot, Status = Running
      • Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service (WdNisSvc): Status = Running
      • Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Inspection System Driver (WdNisDrv): Status = Running
      • Windows Security Service (SecurityHealthService): Status = Running
      • Security Center (wscsvc): Status = Running
   4. If WdFilter, WdNisSvc, WdNisDrv, or WinDefend are stopped, follow the remaining steps in the Defender service startup troubleshooting article (including removing and reinstalling Security Intelligence and engine components) to restore them.
4. Restart the Defender/Endpoint Protection service
   1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
   2. Locate Windows Defender Antivirus Service.
   3. Ensure Startup type is Automatic.
   4. From the Action menu, select Start.
      • If Start is unavailable, select Stop, wait for it to stop, then select Start again.
   5. Note any error messages; if errors persist, contact Microsoft Support with those details.
5. Keep only one real‑time antivirus Microsoft guidance is to avoid running multiple real‑time antivirus/antispyware products simultaneously. After confirming Defender is working and set as the primary protection, do not re‑enable real‑time protection in other products. On‑demand scanners like Microsoft Safety Scanner or Microsoft Defender Offline can be used alongside Defender without conflict.

If, after these steps, Windows Security still shows “Something went wrong. Wait a bit and try again” when viewing Device protection, collect any specific error codes shown in Windows Security or Event Viewer and escalate to Microsoft Support for deeper investigation.

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft Defender Antivirus service startup problems
• Antivirus and antimalware software: FAQ
• Troubleshoot problems with detecting and removing malware
• Microsoft Defender Antivirus in the Windows Security app
• Troubleshoot Windows Defender or Endpoint Protection client