Windows defender can t check for updates

Customers can choose to participate in Microsoft SpyNet. Customers can choose to participate in Microsoft Spynet by selecting an option in the Windows Defender options. Windows Defender automatically submits Microsoft Spynet report data to Microsoft. Microsoft reviews this customer data. When additional analysis is needed, Microsoft may send a request for a software sample.

This request appears in a Windows Defender dialog box. If the user consents, the sample is uploaded to Microsoft. Microsoft then analyzes the collected samples for potential risk. This analysis helps protect customers from malicious and potentially unwanted software.

To manually install this update, you must be logged on with administrator permissions. Need more help? Expand your skills. Get new features first. Was this information helpful? Yes No. Microsoft continually updates security intelligence in antimalware products to cover the latest threats and to constantly tweak detection logic, enhancing the ability of Microsoft Defender Antivirus and other Microsoft antimalware solutions to accurately identify threats.

This security intelligence works directly with cloud-based protection to deliver fast and powerful AI-enhanced, next-generation protection. Microsoft security intelligence updates include software that incorporates material from third parties. Third-party notices and information. Automatic updates.

To help ensure your antimalware solution detects the latest threats, get updates automatically as part of Windows Update. If you are having problems with Windows Update, use the troubleshooter. If you don't already use Microsoft Defender Antivirus, learn how to turn it on. Trigger an update. A manually triggered update immediately downloads and applies the latest security intelligence. To be fully supported, keep current with the latest platform updates.

Our support structure is dynamic, evolving into two phases depending on the availability of the latest platform version:. Security and Critical Updates servicing phase - When running the latest platform version, you will be eligible to receive both Security and Critical updates to the anti-malware platform.

Technical Support Only phase - After a new platform version is released, support for older versions N-2 will reduce to technical support only. Platform versions older than N-2 will no longer be supported. If you are manually deploying Microsoft Defender Antivirus Platform Update, or if you are using a script or a non-Microsoft management product to deploy Microsoft Defender Antivirus Platform Update, make sure that version 4.

The below table provides the Microsoft Defender Antivirus platform and engine versions that are shipped with the latest Windows 10 releases:. For Windows 10 release information, see the Windows lifecycle fact sheet.

Keeping your OS installation images up to date helps avoid a gap in protection. For more information, see Microsoft Defender update for Windows operating system installation images. Package version: Package version: 1. Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. Download Microsoft Edge More info. Contents Exit focus mode. Is this page helpful? Please rate your experience Yes No. Any additional feedback?

Tip To see the most current engine, platform, and signature date, visit the Security intelligence updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus and other Microsoft antimalware.