Revealing how to fix the error of Windows Defender not updating

For Windows users, you are certainly no longer far away from Windows Defender - anti-virus software released by Microsoft. The task of this software is the same as other antivirus software, helping to protect the user's computer. Normally, updating Windows Defender is quite simple. But currently, there are countless users having headaches because Windows Defender cannot update. Let's learn how to fix detailed errors revealed by TipsMake in the next section.

Instructions on how to fix the error of Windows Defender not updating specifically

There are many different ways to update Windows Defender and users often rarely pay attention because Windows Defender will usually update itself through Windows Update. However, the problem here is that whether automatically updating or updating manually, Windows Update still fails to update. And like other problems, this situation has many different causes. The following are basic to advanced measures to help you overcome this problem.

1/ Check and fix basic errors

In case you have installed and are running other 3rd party security software. It is possible that this software is the cause of Windows Defender shutting down and disabling its updates. Therefore, if you are using other security software, you should uninstall the application.

1. Windows Defender may be temporarily turned off. For example, you previously installed software but were prevented by Windows Defender and you temporarily disabled this anti-virus program. So, you can check and re-enable Windows Defender by:
   1. (Admin instructions on Windows 10)
   2. Step 1: Press the key combination Windows + I to open Settings > Click to select Update & Security > Continue to select Windows Security in the list on the left > Click on the line as shown below.

1. 1. Step 2: In the next interface, click on Virus and threat protection in the left pane > Then click on Manage settings (as shown in the photo).

1. 1. Step 3: In the Real-time protection section, if you see Off, turn it On.

1. Besides, don't forget to check the internet connection you are using for your computer. Because there is a possibility that the error of not updating is due to 'connection problems'.

If these basic solutions do not help you fix the Windows Defender error that cannot be updated. The computer tips below can help you.

2/ Update Windows Defender using Windows Update

As the admin shared from the beginning, Windows Defender is updated automatically through Windows Update. Therefore, you can update Windows Defender using Windows Update to solve the problem of Windows Defender not being able to update.

1. Step 1: Continue pressing Windows + I to open Settings > Click on Update & Security.
2. Step 2: In the list of options on the left, click Windows Update > Continue clicking Check for updates in the right pane.

The system will check for any available updates. Available updates for Windows Defender will begin downloading automatically as soon as they are detected. And after downloading the updates, they will be installed successfully.

3/ Update using Command Prompt

The above method still doesn't help you? Updating Windows Defender using Command Prompt is also a possible solution.

1. First, click on the magnifying glass search icon > Enter cmd > When the Command Prompt results are displayed > Click on the Run as administrator line to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. In the next interface, enter the command cd /d 'Program FilesWindows Defender' > Press Enter to execute this command.

1. Continue entering the exe command –signatureupdate > Press Enter.

These operations will help update Windows Defender and you should check to see if the problem of not being able to update continues to occur or not!

4/ Set Windows Defender Service to Automatic

1. Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box > Enter services.msc in the Open box and click OK.
2. Step 2: Find the Windows Defender Antivirus Service line > Right-click on this line and select Properties.

1. Step 3: Make sure that the Service status line is running Start. At the same time, in the Startup type line, set it to Automatic > Click Apply and click OK to save.

OTHER TIPS

Besides, you can also update Windows Defender in other ways such as:

1. Update from the Windows Defender Update Interface.
2. Update by manual download via the Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC) website.

Above are some solutions to fix the error of Windows Defender not updating. Wishing you guys success in overcoming it!