How do I update my virus list?

Pieter Cronjé 0 Reputation points
2026-10-17T20:26:58.6433333+00:00

I was told by defender that my virus list is not up to date. How do I update the virus list?

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Other
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  1. Dio Xavier 297.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-17T20:33:00.3333333+00:00

    Hello,

    Welcome to the Microsoft Windows Community.

    Good afternoon. Microsoft Defender updates automatically via Windows Update. If you would like to update it manually, press Win+I -> Update & Security -> Windows Update -> Check for updates.

    Alternatively, through Defender itself: Open Microsoft Defender, click on Virus & threat protection -> Virus & threat protection updates -> Protection updates.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-17T20:27:30.6033333+00:00

    Update Microsoft Defender’s virus list—called security intelligence or definitions—from the Protection updates page in Windows Security.

    Update it through Windows Security

    1. Open Start, type Windows Security, and open the app.
    2. Select Virus & threat protection.
    3. Under Virus & threat protection updates, select Protection updates.
    4. Select Check for updates.
    5. Wait for the download and installation to finish. The page should then display the current security-intelligence version and a recent update time.

    Windows normally obtains these updates automatically through Windows Update, but this procedure forces an immediate check.^1^

    If the update still fails

    Download the current installer that matches the PC’s architecture from Microsoft’s security-intelligence page, and then run the downloaded .exe file. Most modern PCs use 64-bit, while ARM-based Windows devices require ARM64.^2^

    After installation, return to:

    Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection updates

    Confirm that the security-intelligence version or “last updated” time has changed.

    If neither method works, note the exact error code shown under Protection updates. That code is needed to distinguish a Windows Update, network/proxy, or Defender configuration problem.

    References

    1. Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App | Microsoft Support
    2. Security intelligence updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus and other Microsoft antimalware
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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