Windows Update not finding Windows Defender updates

[GWL894]

Running Win8.1, Group B.   I use Windows Update only to get Windows Defender definition updates. On July 9 (patch Tuesday) I let Windows Update check for updates. It found the July cumulative update, and the .NET update, etc.,– I INSTALLED NONE OF THEM– but no Windows Defender definition update. Every day since it’s been the same thing– it doesn’t find the definition updates.  I can update Windows Defender from its own interface with no problem, but I’d rather use Win Update since it shows the size of the update. I thought this was a problem with my laptop, but I have now checked for updates on another Win8.1 computer and got the same result– no Win Defender definition update. Would the Servicing Stack update (KB4504418) be likely to fix this?  I’m reluctant to install any update unless it’s necessary, especially since the info on this one says it is not uninstallable.
Has anybody else had this problem?

[Microfix]

The servicing stack is/ will be required irrespective of reluctant thoughts. It would do no harm whatsoever to install the SSU but, I don’t think that’s the problem.

Download the full Windows Defender def update from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/definitions
(x64 or x86 as per your system)

This has sorted issues I’ve encountered in the past with this kind of problem.

I only use the desktop right click tweak below to update without invoking the full WU.
Here is the registry tweak that I use for quick access/updating of WD
(once you get used to using it, you won’t look back)
windows-defender-cascading-desktop-context-menu

Win8.1 Pro x64 + Linux Hybrids x86/x64 + Win7 Pro x86/64 O/L

1 user thanked author for this post.

Bluetrix

[GWL894]

Since my first post I have updated Win Defender with the full update file (mpam-fe.exe), and I installed the Servicing Stack update (KB4504418), but still Windows Update does not find the Win Defender definition updates.  It seems like Microsoft changed something coincident with last patch Tuesday.  Since this situation began  on two Win8.1 computers at the same time, I find it hard to believe that it’s an issue with my computers. Is Windows Update still finding Windows Defender updates on anybody else’s Win 8.1 computer?

[Microfix]

No problems here with WD definitions via WU (two W8.1 devices checked)
Both have SSU KB4504418 as well as July SMQR KB4507448 (Group A) installed.

Win8.1 Pro x64 + Linux Hybrids x86/x64 + Win7 Pro x86/64 O/L

Attachments:

You must be logged in to access attached files.

[GWL894]

Well, today Windows Update found the Win Defender update on both of my Win8.1 computers, for the first time in 11 days.  Whatever the glitch was it seems to have gone away.  Thanks, Microfix, for your replies.

[Author]

Posts