If you are using Windows 11, you should never skip the Windows security updates. Generally, the Windows Security app receives updates during Windows Updates. However, if you feel that the Windows Security app requires manual updates for any reason, here’s what you should do.
1. Check if Windows Security is Updated
Before manually updating the Microsoft Defender or Windows Security application, check if your Windows Security is outdated.
1. Open the Windows Security app from the Windows Search.
2. Click on Settings.
3. Click on the About link.
4. You can view the current version of the Windows Security app. You need to note down the Antimalware Client Version, the Engine, and the Antivirus Version.
5. Open a web browser and visit the Microsoft Defender updates page. You need to scroll down and check the latest security intelligence update section.
6. You need to compare the details shown on the webpage with those listed in the Windows Security settings in Step 4.
2. Manually Update the Windows Security app
We will manually trigger the Windows Security update. Just follow the steps outlined below.
1. Open Windows Security from the Windows Search.
2. Click Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Click Protection Updates on the right pane under the Virus & Threat Protection updates.
4. Click Check for updates.
3. Update Windows Security via PowerShell
You can also use PowerShell to update the Windows Security app.
1. Click on the Windows 11 search and type PowerShell. Right-click on PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
2. Execute the command:
Update-MpSignature
4. Manually download & install the latest version of Windows Security
If all of the above methods fail to fix the problem, you need to download & install the latest version of Microsoft Defender manually.
1. Open your favorite web browser and head to this webpage.
2. Scroll down to the download section.
3. Select the appropriate 32 or 64-bit version of Microsoft Defender Antivirus and download the file on ytor system.
4. Run the executable file, and Microsoft Defender will automatically be updated.
5. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows automatically updates Windows Security during system updates; however, if you’re facing problems with the Windows Update, you can try running the Windows Update troubleshooter.
1. Click on the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooter.
3. Find Windows Update and click the Run button beside it.
If you don’t want to go through all these methods, simply update Windows 11. When upgrading Windows 11, install the latest security updates on your device. If you have any doubts, let us know in the comment box below.
