Solved Odd Defender Update Behavior

[VFN]

Windows Update had the follwing update a few minutes ago

Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.139.124.0)
Download size: 18.3 MB

After downloading curiously fast I got an error message that installation had failed. I "tried again" but download window was not showing any progress so I cancelled, figuring I would start the process over again. However, after cancelling the window changed to the successfully installed window. The history window now says the update was successful as well.

Any idea what's going on. Not only have I not seen behavior like this before but I googled and see that others are having problems with this update.

Thanks
VFN

 

[richc46]

I googled the Kb and it seems that many have had problems with this update. You are lucky if it is now installed and you no longer have problems. It appears that the update itself is the cause.

 

[VFN]

Thanks as always for the reply Rich. Not sure if the update really installed correctly or at all. Hopefully my system is okay. Incidentally, the update I received was 1.139.124.0 but if you go to the Microsoft site the most recent Defender update is 1.139.160.0.

 

[richc46]

If you want to gamble, you could always uninstall or use system restore to remove it and then try again.

 

[VFN]

I'm not sure that's worth it. It's just defnitions and Defender is not all that useful anyway, right? I mean, I've never seen Defender detect any malware. What's your view on Defender?

 

[richc46]

Good question
I use Microsoft Security Essentials, which includes defender. In addition I use Malwarebytes for a once a week scan. I have twice the protection and they are all free.

 

[VFN]

Yeah, I've seen people call defender worthless.

We'll see about my system in the future. I opened Defender and it does say that 1.139.124.0 is the recent defintion so...

Thanks again.