When updating Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender), you may encounter the error code 0x80004004. This happens when Windows Defender fails to download updated definitions from the Microsoft website. In this article, we will identify the potential cause and also provide the solutions that you can try to fix 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. Definition updates might not be installed
This error may occur due to another antivirus program installed on the same system. It can create conflicts by preventing Windows Defender program from updating. Another reason behind this error might be some missing system files. Poor internet connection can also cause this error to appear.
Fix Microsoft Defender Error 0x80004004
If you are facing this problem, you can try our 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 program
- Manually Update Windows Defender via Command Prompt
- Directly download the Windows Defender definition package
Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved regarding each of the listed solutions.
1]Set Windows Defender Service to Automatic
Proceed as follows:
- Presse Touche Windows + R to invoke the Run dialog box.
- In the Run dialog box, type
services.mscand press Enter to open Services. - In the Services window, scroll down and locate the Service antivirus Microsoft Defender.
- Double-click the entry to edit its properties.
- Make sure the option under the Start type menu in the service properties window is set to Automatique.
- Confirm any dialog boxes that may appear when changing the startup type.
- Click on Apply > OKAY.
After that, restart the update and see if it completes successfully. Otherwise, try the next solution.
2]Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus program
Third-party security programs installed on your Windows 10 PC can also create conflicts causing the error 0x80004004 during the Windows Defender virus definitions update process. So, disabling antivirus before updating Windows Defender can be a solution.
You can temporarily disable any third-party antivirus on your PC from the Programs Settings page. Once the update process is complete, you can re-enable it for full protection.
3]Manually Update Windows Defender via Command Prompt
Proceed as follows:
- Presse Touche Windows + R to invoke the Run dialog box.
- In the Run dialog box, type
cmdand press Enter to open the command prompt. - In the Command Prompt window, type or copy and paste the command below and press Enter following each line.
cd /d "Program FilesWindows Defender" mpcmdrun.exe -signatureupdate
When executing the command. you still have errors, you can try the following solution.
You can also update Windows Defender definitions using PowerShell.
4]Directly download the Windows Defender definition package
You can also try manually downloading the latest Defender definitions and updating them.
This is a “silent install” – nothing seems to happen when you double-click the downloaded file, but it will install in the background.
I hope this helps you!
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