when updating Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender), you may encounter an error code 0x80004004. This happens when Windows Defender fails to download updated definitions from the Microsoft website. In this article, we will identify the possible cause and also provide solutions that you can try to solve this problem successfully.
The error may appear on your computer screen with a message stating:
Error 0x80004004: This application was unable to check for virus and spyware definition updates. Unable to install definition updates
This error may occur because another antivirus is installed on the same system. It can create conflicts by preventing Windows Defender from updating. Another reason behind this error could be the loss of some system files. A weak internet connection can also cause this error to appear.
Fix Microsoft Defender Error 0x80004004
If you are facing this problem, you can try the recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps fix the problem.
- Set Windows Defender Service to Automatic
- Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software
- Update Windows Defender manually via Command Prompt
- Download the Windows Defender Definition Pack directly
Let’s look at a description of the process involved with respect to each of the solutions listed.
1]Set Windows Defender Service to Automatic
Complete as follows:
- hurry Windows key + R. to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type
services.mscand press Enter to open Services. - In the Services window, scroll down and select File Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service.
- Double-click the entry to edit its properties.
- Make sure that the option under File start type The menu in the service properties window is set to to me.
- Confirm any dialog boxes that may appear when changing the startup type.
- Click on Progressing > Okay.
After that, restart the update and see if it completes successfully. Otherwise, try the next solution.
2]Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software
Third-party security software installed on your Windows 10 PC can also cause conflicts that cause Error 0x80004004 During the Windows Defender virus definitions update process. Therefore, disabling your antivirus before updating Windows Defender can be a solution.
You can temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software on your computer from the Software Settings page. Once the update process is complete, you can re-enable it for full protection.
3]Update Windows Defender manually via Command Prompt
Complete as follows:
- hurry Windows key + R. to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type
cmdand press Enter to open Command Prompt. - In the Command Prompt window, type or copy and paste the command below and hit Enter after each line.
cd /d "\Program Files\Windows Defender" mpcmdrun.exe -signatureupdate
when executing the command. You still have errors, you can try the next solution.
You can also update Windows Defender definitions using PowerShell.
4]Directly download the Windows Defender definition package
You can also try to manually download and update the latest Defender definitions.
This is a “silent install” – nothing seems to happen when you double-click the downloaded file, but it will install in the background.
Hope this helps you!
Similar item: Windows Defender does not update automatically.
