Most of these queries have to do with Windows Defender failing to update virus definitions, and this usually happens when their internet connection is good. Sometimes even the Windows Update feature is affected as it fails to update the system. While using Windows Defender, you may receive a message with regards to definition updates when opening the service, or when you try to check for updates and it says they cannot be checked, downloaded, or installed. If you’re experiencing the Windows Defender update failed issue, try the solutions listed below to resolve the issue.

What can I do if Windows Defender won’t update?

Before getting into more detailed explanations, let’s get through a couple of basic checks and steps to perform:

Check if you have other security software installed, as these will turn off Windows Defender and disable its updates; uninstall your current anti-malware software Check for updates in Windows Defender Update Interface and try Windows Update if it failed; to do this, click the shield icon in the notification area, select Virus & threat protection, and then click on Check for updates Install all updates that may be pending and restart your computer, then try the Windows Defender update again; set Windows Defender to automatically get updates (it gets this as part of Windows Updates) Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

If your computer is part of a company network, or it is managed by an admin, they’ll configure updates through local network drives or set policies to update after approval. Check with your network admin first.

1. Try out a different antivirus solution

When Windows Defender fails to meet your expectations, it’s time to consider using an alternative. Well, if you want to forget all about update errors, then try the solution below. This professional antivirus does its job in the background and always keeps you safe from computer viruses, malware, ransomware, and identity theft. Moreover, rest assured that it’s easy to install on your computer and straightforward to use, having no pointless features that could clutter the interface.

2. Manually install update definitions

Microsoft usually delivers updates through Windows Update, Automatic Updates, or Windows Server Update Service (WSUS). In some cases, Windows Defender won’t update because of problems with these services. In this case, update the definitions manually, as described above. SPONSORED If you were able to install updates manually, the issue is caused by a Windows Update problem. We gave an excellent list of tools that will help you solve Windows Update issues.

3. Verify that you have all required Windows Update files

Usually, all the needed updates will come right to your PC but sometimes, if they are blocked for some reason, you won’t see them. Perform the steps below to make sure you’re up-to-date.

4. Set Windows Defender service as automatic

If Windows Defender service won’t start, check out this detailed guide to fix the problem in no time.

5. Run an SFC Scan

This will check whether there are corrupted system files that prevent the default antivirus from updating.

What is Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is the default, pre-installed antimalware software built into Windows 10 OS, to protect users from malware. This includes adware, viruses, worms, Trojans, Rootkit, Backdoor, ransomware, and spyware, among other emerging threats. In this case, the service should work well in the background notifying users of any detected malware or when something is wrong. In some cases, however, you may come across issues such as this, when Windows Defender is not updating, or the update fails.

How can I update Windows Defender?

Usually, there are three ways to update it:

From the Windows Defender Update Interface From Windows Update From Manual Download via the Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC) website

We’ve written extensively about its problems before, and we have an excellent guide on how to fix Windows Defender issues. Don’t hesitate to take a closer look too. Let us know if any of these solutions worked when the Windows Defender update failed. Just leave a comment in the section below.

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