How to Manually Update Windows Defender
Windows Defender is an Internet security tool available for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows Defender can scan a computer for malicious programs, such as spyware and adware, and remove or fix threats. Similar to antivirus programs, Microsoft periodically releases updates for Windows Defender to expand the program's malware definitions. Installing updates will allow Defender to detect new malware threats. Windows Defender can be instructed to update automatically, but it is also possible to manually download and apply updates.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Go to Microsoft's website for the latest updates (see Resources).
-
2
Scroll down the page, and click on the download link under "32-bit versions of Windows" if you use a 32-bit version of Windows or the appropriate download link under "64-bit versions of Windows." When you click the link, a download dialog box will appear.
-
-
3
Choose to save the update to your hard drive.
-
4
Navigate to the folder where you saved the update, open the .exe update file and click "OK." The name of the file will be similar to "Mpas-fe.exe." On Windows Vista, you may need to right-click the file and choose "Run as Administrator." A progress bar will appear as the update installs and will disappear when installation is complete.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Windows Defender can be instructed to automatically search for updates by clicking "Start," choosing "Control Panel," opening "Windows Defender," selecting the arrow next to the blue help question mark on the main menu and clicking "Check for Updates."
Windows Vista and Windows 7 include Windows Defender. You can also download it for systems with Windows XP running Service Pack 2 or later service packs.
