Feb072013

Why has Microsoft Security Essentials suddenly stopped automatic updates?

harley asks:

Microsoft Security Essentials was working fine, auto updates & now it isn’t. I can manually update it. I have checked my firewall settings, security settings & have googled for solutions & checked the Windows site.


Browser: Chrome 25
System: Windows 7 64 bit
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6 Answers - Write an Answer

1 votes
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Ashwin Ramesh

February 7, 2013

Did you have a look at this? http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/mse-protect_updating/ms-security-essentials-automatic-definitions/87328bc0-0cb6-4e90-ab82-ae5f9b3d7c5c

The auto-update depends on Automatic Update service (wuauserv) and Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Head over to Control Panel >> Administrator Tools >> Services and check if wuauserv and BITS are running properly.
If that doesn’t help, you might have to re-install MSSE.

harley bellwood

Thanks for the info, I will check it out.

February 9, 2013
harley bellwood

Thank you I am going to check it out.

February 9, 2013
ha14

let us know if you used Fix MSE Utility and repaired problems.

February 10, 2013
harley bellwood

I did & strangely enough I get a message “Microsoft Security Essentials is not found on system”.

February 10, 2013
ha14

did you run it with administrative rights?
(Unofficial) Repair Microsoft Security Essentials with Fix MSE Utility
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/mse-protect_start/unofficial-repair-microsoft-security-essentials/1e24872a-5895-4e77-b656-c0342a195176

February 11, 2013
harley bellwood

Yes I did.

February 11, 2013
4 votes
Reply

PRASHANTH SINGH RATHORE

February 7, 2013

got this link

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows/troubleshooting-update-issues

and follow the procedure…….!!

harley bellwood

Thank you I will check it out.

February 9, 2013
1 votes
Reply

Alan Wade

February 7, 2013

Its worth mentioning for your info only that Microsoft Security Essentials has lost its AV-Test cetrification not once but TWICE only detecting 64% or zero day threats.
Personally I would go with something with a better reputation.

harley bellwood

I have read this also and am looking into it.

February 9, 2013
0 votes
Reply

Serge Garcia

February 8, 2013

From a fellow user of Microsoft Security Essentials, I highly recommend you leave it. The virus detection rate is good for an antivirus, but the most common reason to use Security Essentials is that it is lightweight and has low memory Consumption.

If you would like a breath of fresh air, try Avast! Antivirus. It is very lightweight, packs a big amount of features, and it is all free. Plus, avast is the most used antivirus in the planet holding 17% of world market share. Try it, Im sure you will love it.

Dont believe me? Check out the world usage on antivirus software
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/which-is-the-most-popular-antivirus-software/12608

harley bellwood

I am updating MSE manually & have Avast on one of my other computers. I may install it here as well.

February 9, 2013
0 votes
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harley bellwood

February 9, 2013

Thank you I may try that too.

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