Microsoft Security Essentials Don’t Auto Update

A few months ago, Microsoft released its free antivirus/antispyware application named Microsoft Security Essentials. This desktop security application is free to users who pass Microsoft’s Genuine Windows Validation for Windows XP, Vista, and 7. However, under certain circumstances the application won’t auto-update as often as many users would like it to.

This issue stems from the fact that by default, Microsoft Security Essentials is set to check for updates once every 24 hours.  While for most users this is sufficient, many users would like to have it check for updates more often.  The good news is the fix for this issue is very simple, and I will also show you how to use the Registry Editor to change how often Microsoft Security Essentials checks for updates. Please note that Security Essentials relies on the Windows Automatic Updates so ensure your automatic update settings are set to automatic, and you have no issues installing regular Windows Updates. Now lets look at the two fixes, I will show one basic fix and one advanced fixed.

1. Basic Fix

The basic fix is very simple, click on the thumbnail and ensure you have the scheduled scan enabled. Also, ensure that you have the “Check for the latest virus and spyware definitions before running a scheduled scan” box checked. It is also important that you UNCHECK the box below that setting to ensure your scans always run. This will ensure that Microsoft Security Essentials always checks for updates at least once a day, and it will also scan your computer. I recommend using the quick scan option for your daily scanning. You can also change the time of the scan to anytime during the day you prefer.

2. Advanced Fix

Disclaimer

Before following the steps below, I do not recommend you doing this unless you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry. Raygen.info takes NO RESPONSIBILITY for any damage that may be caused to your computer by editing the registry and/or following the steps below. You proceed at your own risk.

This is the advanced fix for those out there that would like their definitions to be updated more often then once a day. This step is optional and not recommended for beginners. so if you are an advanced user or are comfortable with editing the registry, then follow the steps below.

Step 1: Go to Start and then Run. In the Run box type regedit and press enter.

Step 2: In the Registry Editor Navigate to the following Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/MICROSOFT/MICROSOFT ANTIMALWARE/SIGNATURE UPDATES

Step 3: Under that Registry Key will be a value named SignatureUpdateInterval which is a REG_DWORD type. This is the key value you can change for more frequent updates. By default it is set to 24. Double-click the key and change its value to any number between 1-24(are valid for this key).

For example, changing SignatureUpdateInterval to a value of 3 will make Microsoft Security Essentials check for updates every 3 hours. you can tweak this key as you see fit to check for updates as often as you want.

The Basic fix will be enough for most users as it will ensure it checks for updates at least once day, and scans your computer as well as waking from sleep if needed. The advanced fix should only be used by those with in very particular circumstances.

I hope this post helps anyone out there with Microsoft Security Essentials not updating they way they want it to.

Also a more ongoing discussion about this over at DSLReports Security forum (Registry Fix originally posted there)