while updating microsoft defender (formerly Windows Defender), you may face the error code 0x80004004, This happens when Windows Defender fails to download the updated definitions from the Microsoft website. In this article, we will identify the possible cause and also provide solutions so that you can try to fix this problem successfully.

The error may appear on your computer screen with a message:

Error 0x80004004: This application was unable to check for virus and spyware definition updates. Definition update could not be installed

This error can be caused by another antivirus program installed on the same system. This can cause conflicts by preventing the Windows Defender program from updating. Another reason behind this error can 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 issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps fix the problem.

1. Set Windows Defender Service to Automatic
2. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus programs
3. Update Windows Defender Manually via Command Prompt
4. Download Windows Defender Definition Package Directly

Let’s take a look at the details of the process involved with respect to each of the listed solutions.

1]Set Windows Defender service to Automatic

proceed as follows:

• Soon Windows Key + R To invoke the Run dialog box.
• In the Run dialog box, type services.msc Press Enter to open More Services.
• In the Services window, scroll down and find Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service,
• Double-click the entry to edit its properties.
• Make sure the option under start type The service is set on the menu in the Properties window self drive,
• Confirm any dialog boxes that appear when you change the startup type.
• click on apply , Ok,

After that, restart the update and see if it completes successfully. Otherwise, try the next solution.

2]Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus programs

Third-party security programs installed on your Windows 10 PC can also cause conflicts due to error 0x80004004 During the Windows Defender virus definition update process. Therefore, a solution can be to disable the antivirus before updating Windows Defender.

You can temporarily disable any third-party antivirus on your PC from the program settings page. Once the update process is complete, you can re-enable it for complete protection.

3]Update Windows Defender manually via Command Prompt

proceed as follows:

• Soon Windows Key + R To invoke the Run dialog box.
• In the Run dialog box, type cmd And press Enter to open Command Prompt.
• In the Command Prompt window, type or copy and paste the command below and press Enter after each line.

cd /d "\Program Files\Windows Defender"

mpcmdrun.exe -signatureupdate

while 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 Windows Defender Definition Package

You can also try to manually download and update the latest Defender definitions.

This is a “silent install” – nothing happens when you double-click the downloaded file, but it will install in the background.

I hope this helps you!

similar item: Windows Defender does not update automatically.