How to Fix a Failed Microsoft Defender Update
Microsoft provides updates for Windows and its components quite frequently. However, while updates are generally helpful for system performance and fixing bugs, users often encounter issues when they download them.
Sign up forfree
Forgot your password?
Create an account
*Required: 8 chars, 1 capital letter, 1 number
By continuing, you agree to thePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Use.You also agree to receive our newsletters, you can opt-out any time.
Understanding the Causes Behind a Failed Microsoft Defender Update
Before you jump straight into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand what may be causing the issue in your case. We did a bit of research and discovered that one or more of the following can be contributing to the Microsoft Defender update problem:
Now that you know what might be causing the issue, it is time we get started with the troubleshooting methods that can help fix the problem in no time.
1. Disable Any Third-Party Antivirus Programs
It is not uncommon for third-party antivirus programs to interfere with the processes of Microsoft Defender, especially in situations like the one at hand.
The only effective solution, in this case, is to disable all the third-party security programs and then try to install the Defender updates again. Once the updates are successfully installed, you can enable the security programs back.
To disable the security programs, you can simply right-click on their taskbar icon and chooseDisable>Disable until the next restart. If you think that the antivirus solution is indeed the culprit, then we recommend you uninstall it and switch to one ofthe best third-party security solutions for Windows 10.
2. Reset the Windows Update Components
As we previously mentioned, you might also not be able to install Windows updates if the update components are corrupt or broken.
Since these components are essential for the update service to work, you must repair them in order to install the latest available updates. The best way to repair these components is by resetting them to their default state.
Here is how you can do that:
You can now close the Command Prompt window and check if the issue is resolved.
3. Restart the Microsoft Defender Service
There is also a chance that the issue is within the Microsoft Defender service itself. The service might be dealing with a temporary glitch or simply might be disabled.
In this method, we will be restarting the Microsoft Defender service and set its startup type as automatic. This way, the service will automatically launch when you boot into the system, allowing the system to install its updates without any problems.
Here is all that you need to do:
You can try reinstalling the targeted update after this is done and check if the issue is now fixed.
4. Manually Install the Targeted Update
Windows also provides you the option to install the pending updates manually if the automatic installation does not work.
We have a complete guide on how to install Microsoft Defender updates manually, and we recommend that you follow the steps mentioned there to install your targeted update.
For those who cannot install the update by following the instructions there, here is another method of installing the updates manually that worked for a few other users:
Once the command is executed, check if the update is successfully installed.
Update Microsoft Defender Successfully
Security tools such as Microsoft Defender keep your system safe from both internal and external threats. The program scans your system files and detects any potential problems that could expose your system to any type of risk. However, to function properly, it must be updated regularly, just like other system apps.
The methods listed above should have helped you install the latest Microsoft Defender updates. Whenever the problem appears again, we recommend you contact the official Microsoft support team so they can investigate the root cause of the problem and suggest a feasible solution accordingly.
Windows Defender is good as-is, but DefenderUI can make it even better.
Don’t let aging hardware force you into buying expensive upgrades.
These films will leave you questioning humanity, but also wanting more.
It’s not super flashy, but it can help to keep your computer up and running.
Tor spoiled me forever.
You can block out the constant surveillance and restore your privacy with a few quick changes.
