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Microsoft Security Essentials Not Updating [SOLVED]
Learn to fix this issue with our comprehensive guide
6 min. read
Updated onMarch 22, 2024
updated onMarch 22, 2024
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Key notes
Keeping your Windows Operation System up to date has many benefits. First of all, you have access toall the latest featuresthat Microsoft has to offer.
Second, the latest updates also bring along bug fixes, making your PC free from bugs and glitches, that your PC might have had prior to the latest update.
Another advantage is that the latest Microsoft Update works automatically withMicrosoft Security Essentials, this ensures that your Windows PC has the latest virus and spyware definitions installed, protecting you from viruses or malware.
However, when trying to update the Microsoft Security Essentials, if you come across a message indicating that the updates have failed, I have the solution for you.
In this guide, you will find some of the most effective solutions that can help you resolve the Microsoft Security Essentials update error. Let us check them out.
What are the symptoms of the Microsoft Security Essentials update error?
As mentioned, Microsoft Security Essentials relies on Microsoft Updates to update the anti-virus definitions three times daily.
Microsoft Security Essentials, or MSE, can have problems sometimes with automatic updating. The solution to this is that you can also install the updates manually.
But having the option to automatically update keeps one task off the list, so you do not need to manually check for updates and install them one by one.
There are a few common symptoms of the Microsoft Security Essentials update error are:
How can I fix the Microsoft Security Essentials not updating issue?
1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
The Windows Troubleshooter is a great tool that helps detect any issues and fix any common problems that you may be having on your PC.
Using the Windows Update troubleshooter, your system will automatically look for the solutions to this problem and prompt you to perform them to possibly fix the problem at hand.
2. Use a specialized software
There are chances that because of corrupt system files you are experiencing the Microsoft Security Essentials not updating error on your PC.
While there are multiple competent in-built Windows tools that can help you detect and fix corrupt or faulty system files, I definitely recommend usingtrusted third-party software.
3. Reset your Internet Explorer settings
When you reset the internet settings, it will delete all the temporary or cache files, cookies, and browsing history, along with all of your saved passwords.
For many users, resetting the Internet Explorer settings has helped fix the Microsoft Security Essentials update error.
4. Delete the Software Distribution folder
TheSoftware Distribution foldercontains temporary files related to Windows Updates. When you delete all the files inside this folder, Windows will reconfigure the folder and download all the necessary files, hopefully fixing the Microsoft Security Essentials update error.
5. Set the correct date and time of your PC
Microsoft Security Essentials will throw you an error if the date and time on your PC aren’t set correctly.
Using the above steps, you can check as well as set the correct date and time and possibly fix the issue at hand.
6. Rename the Software Distribution folder
7. Reset the Microsoft antivirus update engine
Now you can open Microsoft Security Essentials, switch over to theUpdatetab and clickUpdate. This should resolve the issue.
Microsoft has ended support for Microsoft Security Essentials on January 14, 2020. This means that it is no longer available to download manually.
However, Microsoft will continue to release signature updates for Microsoft Security Essentials to support systems until 2023.
So, not only we, but Microsoft also advises that you should move to the latest Windows 11 operating system to continue receiving the latest security updates, and also enjoy all the latest features Microsoft has to offer.
Let us know in the comments below which of the above methods helped you fix the Microsoft Security Essentials not updating issue.
Sagar Naresh
Sagar is a web developer and technology journalist. Currently associated with WindowsReport and SamMobile. When not writing, he is either at the gym sweating it out or playing country music on his guitar.
He is an avid traveler and has been to 15 countries, going to more places soon. TRAVEL and WORK is his mantra for a peaceful life.
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