Windows Defender - Virus and spyware definitions couldn't be updated

Anonymous
2017-09-17T20:43:38+00:00

can't update spyware and virus definitions

Original title/subject: windows defender

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-11-07T04:46:05+00:00

    Hi,

    Since you’ve encountered the same issue with installing Windows Defender virus and spyware definitions, we’d like to verify if you have done all solution provided on this thread? If you haven’t done it yet, please do so and then let us know if this works for you.

    Regards.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-06T14:31:00+00:00

    Same issue here.  10 pages now and no real answers.  My last successful update was on 10/30/17.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-11-06T14:21:54+00:00

    I have tried everything suggested...which was very little.  Most replies were people with the same problem.

    When did Windows Defender (WD) update? What virus definitions are currently installed? https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/definitions/antimalware-definition-release-notes  

    See Troubleshoot Windows Defender Update Issues in Windows 10

    The behavior you are describing may occasionally occur if another antivirus program is installed or there are remnants of a third party antivirus program still installed.  

    See the Answer of [quietman7

    If the issue continues you may want to try the steps recommended in Problems starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10 to include (but not necessarily limited to) running SFC, scanning for malware and running the software removal tools for any security software (AVG, Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton, whatever) that may have previously been on the computer (to include a trial version of McAfee or Norton that might have been on the computer when it was new) followed by a reboot:  List of anti-malware product removal tools

    You might also want to review http://www.howtogeek.com/220232/how-to-use-the-built-in-windows-defender-antivirus-on-windows-10/   Good article but ignore the ads!

    Or

    If WD still does not update, wait a few hours and try again to manually update the program….remember WD normally should automatically update every 24 hrs if an update is available and the program needs to be updated. 

    Alternatively - - -

    You may prefer to install a third party antimalware program (which should disable Windows Defender).

    There are a number of viable free and paid options available – take your pick…

    Choosing an Anti-Virus Program

    Is Windows Defender The Best For Windows 10?  Good article but ignore the ads.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/antivirus-partners#AVtabs=win10

    Regards…

    http://blog.emsisoft.com/2015/01/27/top-10-ways-pups-sneak-onto-your-computer-and-how-to-avoid-them/

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-06T14:05:15+00:00

    I have tried everything suggested...which was very little.  Most replies were people with the same problem.

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-11-06T13:01:50+00:00

    Window defender Virus and spyware definitions couldn't be updated.

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