Unable to update or perform a full scan with Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender).

Question

I am experiencing an issue with Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender) on my PC. The full scan cannot be executed, and updates of virus definitions fail with error code 8024402C.

Answer 1

To resolve the issue with Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender) where you cannot perform a full scan and updates fail with error code 8024402C, you can follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Internet Connectivity: Ensure that your PC is connected to the internet. You can verify this by browsing other websites.
2. Reset Internet Settings: Sometimes, conflicts with internet settings can cause update issues. To reset your internet settings:
   • Exit all open programs.
   • Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.
   • Go to the Advanced tab and click on Reset under the Reset Internet Explorer settings section.
   • Confirm the reset and then try updating Windows Defender again.
3. Check Date and Time Settings: An incorrect date or time can lead to update failures. Ensure that your date and time are set correctly in the settings.
4. Rename the Software Distribution Folder: This can help resolve issues with Windows Update:
   • Open a command prompt as an administrator.
   • Run the following commands:

          cd %windir%\
          ren SoftwareDistribution SDTemp
          exit
     

   • Restart the Windows Update service and try updating again.
5. Check Group Policy Settings: If your computer is part of a domain, ensure that there are no Group Policy settings blocking updates. You may need to consult with your IT administrator if applicable.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft Defender Antivirus Security intelligence not getting updated
• Troubleshoot Windows Defender or Endpoint Protection client