How to Fix if Windows Defender does not Update

Windows Defender is inbuilt software found in Windows 10 to protect your computer from Malware Antivirus and other harmful third-party sources. Many Windows 10 users report that Windows Defender does not start or update on their PC. It is one of the common issues.

There are several reasons for this issue. Windows defender fails typically to update when the internet connection is not so good. So make sure you have a good internet connection while you update windows defender. Also, if an Admin manages your system, then they might filter updates. Check with your admin before you confirm that there is some other issue in updating Windows Defender.

There are many reasons why Windows defender does not start or update on Windows 10. We have listed a dozen solutions below for you. You cannot blindly say that this is the main reason for the problem without trying a couple of solutions.

Once you start trying some of the solutions listed here, you will know the problem and how it can be rectified. But make sure that a system is updated before you update windows Defender. Sometimes when the system has an older version, the newer version of Windows Defender might show some problems while installing or updating.

Below are some of the solutions that we have formulated to help you.

Solution 1: Use a Registry Cleaner

Some old files and programs that were previously installed on your PC might object to starting the updated Windows Defender. You can do a registry clean-up to clean all the unwanted programs and files that were previously useful but not now are not updated.

There are a lot of third-party tools and apps for a registry clean-up. You can use any one among them to do a registry clean up. Also, try restarting your PC after you do it. It will refresh the old settings and might help you start Windows Defender.

Solution 2: Update Windows version to the latest one

If you do not have an updated version of your Windows, then try to install the newer version of Windows Defender because it will prevent windows defender from being installed and opened. It is because both the versions of Windows and Windows Defender have to be updated. So, if your Windows 10 version is not updated, then try updating it by the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Open the settings option in your Windows 10

Step 2: Select the update and security option from the list.

Step 3: The update menu will be opened, and you can find two options, Windows update, and Windows Defender, on the left side panel.

Step 4: Click the windows update. The windows version you have will be displayed on the screen along with an option saying check for updates

Step 5: Click the check for updates option.

Now the system will be scanned, and you will be intimated with any update available. You have to click and install the update. Ensure that you have a good internet connection as windows update takes a long time to install.

Solution 3: System File Checker Scan

Running a system file checker scan might help you identify corrupt files in your system that may hinder the opening of Windows Defender. When your system files have issues, they do not work correctly or slow down your PC.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt in your PC. It is a default Command-line Prompter inbuilt in Microsoft Windows.

Step 2: If you right-click on the app short menu will appear.

Step 3: The first option that says run as administrator

Step 4: Now, a black window which is called Command Prompt Window will appear.

Step 5: Type sfc/ scan now in it and click enter

After you do this the scan, you can start. It might take some time to complete the scan and destroy all the junk files. So, after the scan is completed, you can restart your PC and try running Windows Defender.

Solution 4: Uninstall the antivirus in your PC

When there is some antivirus installed in your PC window, the defender cannot start because the antivirus diffuses into some of the system’s settings. It will not allow windows defender to perform.

Windows Defender is essentially doing the part of antivirus on your computer. If you install any other antivirus software, it will not be possible for both software to perform correctly.

First, disable your antivirus and then try running Windows Defender. If it does not work, then try uninstalling your antivirus using software remover tools. This software removing tools help you to clear the residue files of the old antivirus from system folders.

Once you finish uninstalling, try running Windows Defender. In most cases, after uninstalling antivirus, windows defender runs smoothly. If this method does not work, then try the following methods.

Solution 5: Microsoft directory permissions

If Microsoft directory is not allowed, specific permissions windows defender will not start properly. You need to allow Microsoft to directory all the permissions first. Follow the below steps to allow Microsoft to directory all the permissions.

Step 1: Open this PC then navigate to local disk C

Step 2: Find the program data option there

Step 3: Locate the Microsoft file there.

Step 4: Right-click and select the properties option.

Step 5: The Microsoft properties tab will open, select security from the top panel, and click advanced at the bottom

Step 6: Now, the Microsoft tab’s advanced security settings will open, click on the permissions option, and look for the inherited permissions.

Step 7: If some of the permissions are not allowed; click the change permissions option at the left bottom.

Make sure that all the permissions are not inherited from anywhere. If they are inherited, then remove the program. Now restart your PC again and try running Windows Defender.

Solution 6: Creating a new user account

If none of the above methods work, then try creating a new user profile. Due to some bugs in the old profile or windows defender, it might not accept interest from the old profile.

So, log out from your old profile and try opening a new profile and entering. If this method works perfectly, then continue with the new profile. You can always import your files and data from the old profile to the new.

Wrapping up

These are some of the basic methods you can do for yourself if your Windows Defender does not open or update. If none of these methods work, you must contact your service provider. There are many reasons why the windows defender might not start or update. You will need a computer expert to identify and rectify the issue, but we have provided you with a list of solutions to save your time and money.

These are some of the methods that many of the users tried and proved right, so most of it will work in 90 percent of cases. The Main bug in opening windows defender is a poor internet connection and outdated versions. If these main problems are rectified, then your Windows Defender must work 100% correctly. If you want windows defender to work on your PC, then make sure you have everything right for it to run.