There are two ways to set Windows Defender (Security Essentials) to automatically update and the first is to set WINDOWS UPDATE to automatically install all updates. The other way is to create a new SCHEDULED TASK: Note that you can change the schedule of this task to more than once a day (or less I suppose) by double clicking on it and selecting the TRIGGERS tab. Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. Microsoft releases updates for Windows Defender periodically. These updates can be downloaded and installed automatically, or you can download them manually from the Microsoft website. This article will explain how to update the Windows Defender antivirus in Windows 11/10. Update Windows Defender antivirusMicrosoft always tries to bring an update for each one of its services on a regular basis. Windows Defender, being a part of Microsoft, also receives updates from time to time. However, this solely depends on you on whether you want to keep this updated or block its updates. If you ask us, we suggest always keeping your programs up to date as this can only prevent you from numerous attacks online. In this post, we will focus on Performing Automatic Updates, upgrading Windows Defender via Command prompt, and manually updating this security app. The update process could fail to owe to some errors like registry malfunction, NIS issue, or the presence of third-party Antivirus, etc. We will see the solution to each section in this post. In the end, we will cover the last resort i.e. Enable the Windows Defender using Group Policy is disabled. Therefore, read this article in detail and sort any complexity that exists on your Windows Defender Antivirus. Is Windows Defender Update important?There was one time when Windows defender was considered just a plain and simple application. These days, windows Defender is considered one of the best anti-malware software out there that aims to protect your system from all sorts of issues. This includes Real-Time Protection, Device Performance, and health, Parental Controls along with App and Browser control, and Device Security. Keeping in mind the various functions performed by this software, updating Windows Defender is really a nice idea. This will give you an upper hand in comparison to all those free antivirus programs. In short, Windows Defender Update is, in reality, a much-required task.
Here is the process to update Windows Defender Antivirus in Windows 10. 1] Perform Automatic UpdateAn automatic update is a quick and easy way to update Windows Security. This process by default downloads the latest version and applies it to the Windows Defender Security app. To do this follow the below process:
This process will look for the pending available updates. Now install the same on your PC. 2] Update Windows Defender using Command PromptSometimes the Enterprise Administrator can also send push updates to endpoints on their network. You can use a batch script to run the following commands so that the definition cache is cleared. Keep in mind to use the prompt with administrative privileges.
cd %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender MpCmdRun.exe -removedefinitions -dynamicsignatures MpCmdRun.exe -SignatureUpdate
3] Network Inspection System updatesThe NIS (Network Inspection System) is there to protect your system from any hazard from the network. The prime role of this is to inspect the attack from the client and then control System Center Endpoint Protection, Forefront Endpoint Protection, and Microsoft Security Essentials. To update Network Real-time Inspection, firstly ensure the version of running antivirus Client component. Thereafter download the same i.e. either 32-bit or 64-bit as per your system architecture. 4] Download and install the updateTo manually update Windows Defender on your system, you need to follow the below-described methods-
5] Remove third-party antivirus softwareIf you have third-party antivirus software installed on your system, they might also be the culprit behind Windows Defender not updating issue. Therefore, the best thing is to uninstall the anti-spyware programs from your system. Here are the steps to follow:
6] Perform Full ScanWhen there is a fault in the system files, they could hamper the smooth performance of your PC. As a result, you can’t update your Windows Defender. You can use the system file checker command here i.e. SFC /scannow. This will scan the faulty file and then try to repair the same.</p><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-160" data-inserter-version="2"></span> <ol> <li><a href="https://www.howtoedge.com/how-to-run-command-prompt-as-administrator-in-windows-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Open Command Prompt with admin right</a>.</li> <li>Copy and paste “<strong>sfc /scannow</strong>” in the command prompt windows then hit <strong>Enter</strong>.</li> <li>This is a time taking process so wait patiently. Once the task is completed, <strong>Reboot</strong> your system and try the above methods to update Windows Security again.</li> </ol> <p>Have a look at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.howtoedge.com/cumulative-update-kb4480976-kb4480967-kb4480959/">Windows 10 Cumulative Update KB4480967</a></p> <h3 id="jump7"><strong>7] Restart Security Center Service</strong></h3> <p>If even after trying the “sfc/ scannow” command doesn’t bring the desired result, you can try resetting Security Center Service. Follow the below-written steps to proceed ahead-</p> <ul> <li>Press the <strong>Win+ R </strong>shortcut to open <strong>Run</strong>.</li> <li>In the blank box, type <strong>services.msc</strong> and hit <strong>OK</strong>.</li> <li>Scroll down the cursor and locate <strong>Security Center</strong>.</li> <li><strong>There forth Right-click</strong> on the same and hit <strong>Restart</strong>.</li> </ul> <p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-1116" src="https://www.howtoedge.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Windows-Defender-Security-Center.png" alt="Services" width="600" height="415" srcset="https://www.howtoedge.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Windows-Defender-Security-Center.png 783w, https://www.howtoedge.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Windows-Defender-Security-Center-300x208.png 300w, https://www.howtoedge.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Windows-Defender-Security-Center-768x532.png 768w, https://www.howtoedge.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Windows-Defender-Security-Center-660x457.png 660w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></p> <h3 id="jump8"><strong>8] Delete conflicting Registry Entry</strong></h3> <p>Conflict in the registry editor can also bring abrupt changes and thus result in Windows Defender Update Error. Follow these steps to reset settings on the Registry Editor.</p><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-161" data-inserter-version="2"></span><span class="ezoic-ad ezoic-at-0 large-mobile-banner-2 large-mobile-banner-2161 adtester-container adtester-container-161 ezoic-ad-adaptive" data-ez-name="howtoedge_com-large-mobile-banner-2"><span class="ezoic-ad large-mobile-banner-2 large-mobile-banner-2-multi-161 adtester-container adtester-container-161" data-ez-name="howtoedge_com-large-mobile-banner-2"><span id="div-gpt-ad-howtoedge_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0" ezaw="290" ezah="250" style="position:relative;z-index:0;display:inline-block;padding:0;min-height:250px;min-width:290px" class="ezoic-ad"><script data-ezscrex="false" data-cfasync="false" type="text/javascript" style="display:none">if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'howtoedge_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howtoedge_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Step-1: Press the Windows key + R hotkey to open the Run dialogue box. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for ‘Run’. Step-2: Now type ‘
Step-3: Here search for MSASCui.exe, MpCmdRun.exe, or MsMpEng.exe. Step-4: If found then make a right click then hit Delete. In case you don’t get any of the files mentioned above, close this editor. 9] Enable Windows Defender from Group PolicyIf none of the solutions worked on your system then try this method as the last solution. In certain situations, you can receive the message “This app is turned off by Group Policy”. If that’s the case, Windows Defender requires activation using the registry editor. You will face this situation only when there is another antivirus enabled on your system. Therefore, it is a must to remove any conflicting application before force enables the Windows Defender manually. To enable Windows Defender using Registry Editor, follow these steps:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
I hope this time, the Windows Defender Update issue has been resolved on your system. If you have any queries related to this article, do ask us in the comment box. That would be All! Tip: If you are facing update, activation, or driver issues on your Windows PC, try RESTORO PC Repair Tool. This software will scan your device for potential issues and resolve them automatically. How do I manually update Windows Defender in Windows 11?Use Microsoft Defender's own update facility
Within the Settings app, you can access a Windows Security facility with this selection sequence: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security in Windows 10 or Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security in Windows 11.
Do I need to update Windows Defender?Microsoft Defender Antivirus requires monthly updates (KB4052623) known as platform updates. You can manage the distribution of updates through one of the following methods: Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)
Do I need antivirus software if I have Windows Defender 2022?Do I need another antivirus if I have Microsoft Defender? Yes, we recommend getting another antivirus even if you have Microsoft Defender.
How do I update Virus protection on Windows 10?Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
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