How to Manually Download Updated Definitions for Windows Defender
August 24, 2007
I ran into an issue where Windows Defender couldn’t download updates, when I would try, I would receive the error:
"The Program can’t download definition updates. Error Found 0×80240022"
This was occurring on a spyware ridden machine, and I was worried that it may be a piece of malware that was preventing the download. Maybe if I downloaded and installed the definitions manually, I would be able to run the scan.
After installing the definitions manually, Windows Defender was able to update itself. I’m not sure why, but that was the fix for this particular issue.
If you ever have a need to download Windows Defender definitions manually, the following link always points to the current definitions for the 32 bit versions of Windows:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=70631
If you are running an x64 version of Windows, this is the link:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=70632
Finally, if you are running an Itanium version of Windows, this is the link:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=70633
I found out about these links in Windows KB article 923159.
Reference:
How to manually download the latest definition updates for Windows Defender - Microsoft
If you like this type of Tech post, you should check out Two Guys Tech. A friend and I are working on it, and we even have a terrific podcast.
We’re always glad to answer questions, help people out, and help relate what we’ve learned. Get a new perspective on the tech topics and news that you’re interested in, come visit Two Guys Tech.com.
Also on Port 16:
Posted in Windows Defender, Microsoft, Bugs
content rss
August 24th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Great stuff. Thanks!
August 24th, 2007 at 10:08 am
No problem, I’m glad you liked it.
August 24th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
wow.. this is a very nice template Scott…. I need to change my theme too, but am still not decided which one to use… need something simple to work with!!
August 24th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Thanks, I’m glad you like it. I’m still making some changes here and there.
January 13th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Thanks, I was able to load the Defender updates again with the help of your links.
January 13th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
No problem, I’m glad I could help. Thanks for the comment!
January 20th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Good remedy ,thanks, John.
Do you have a remedy for( Windows cannot search for updates ) message and icon in the startup bottom bar?
January 20th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Is that Windows Vista?
January 20th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
The first Link worked for my 32-bit XP SP2 PC. It was not allowing me to use the normal Defender automated definition update method that always used to work. I was able to download the definitions manually with the link. And, just as described in Mike Scott’s scenerio, I was able to update the Defender Application too afterward and finally all of Defender started working right, including the automated definition updates. I don’t know what is was before, but I’m now at Defender version 1.1.1593.0. Thanks again.
January 20th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
No problem Manuel, I’m glad that it helped someone else!