Updating Microsoft Defender

Perform an Automatic Update

An automatic update is the quickest and easiest way to update Microsoft Defender.  Doing this downloads the latest available version.  This is normally only required when the installed version is causing a problem and the latest needs to be installed during the working day.  Microsoft Defender updates on start up usually.

Windows 10

1. Click Start
2. Click on the Settings icon (cog)
3. Click Updates & Security
4. In the left-hand column, click Windows Security
5. Under the Protection areas list, click on Virus & threat protection
6. In the new window that has opened, under the Virus & threat protection updates heading click Check for updates
7. Under Threat definitions click Check for updates

Windows 11

1. Click Start
2. Click on the Settings icon (cog)
3. In the left-hand column, click Privacy & Security
4. Under the Security heading, click on Windows Security
5. Under the Protection areas list, click on Virus & threat protection
6. In the new window that has opened, under the Virus & threat protection updates heading click  Protection updates
7. Under Security intelligence click Check for updates

Microsoft Defender will download and install the latest threat definition available without any input required.  This process normally only takes a couple of minutes.