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How to fix Windows Defender update error 0x800704e8 [QUICK GUIDE]
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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UpdatingWindows Defenderis not an easy task. There are various errors and technical issues that may prevent users from updating theirantivirusprogram.
According to recent reports,Windows Defendercan’t install the latest definition updates due to error 0x800704e8. Here’s how one user describes this update issue:
I never used to have problems downloading the latestWindows Defenderdefinition updates, but for some reason just lately there seems to have been an issue with this. […]
While trying to download the latest definitions inWindows Defender, the instillation part of the process apparently failed after the download, then a message came up saying “Virus and Spyware definitions couldn’t be updated. Error Code 0x800704e8” (see picture below)
What can I do to get rid of the 0x800704e8 update error inWindows Defender? The easiest solution is to updateWindows Defendermanually. In some cases, the error is triggered by network connection problems. If that doesn’t solve your problem, remove theWindows DefenderSignature file.
To see how you can do that, check the steps below.
Steps to solve Windows Defender error 0x800704e8:
Users also confirm that theWindows Update Troubleshooterdoesn’t identify any problems related to thiserror message. As a result, it can’t fix the problem.
At the same time, users report that someWindows Defenderupdates download successfully, and theerror message0x800704e8 doesn’t always come up.
Solution 1 – Manually update Windows Defender through CMD
To fixerror message0x800704e8, follow these troubleshooting steps:
%PROGRAMFILES%Windows DefenderMPCMDRUN.exe– removes allWindows Defenderdefinitions%PROGRAMFILES%Windows DefenderMPCMDRUN.exe– updates theantivirus
-READ ALSO:Fix: Windows Defender won’t turn on in Windows 10
Solution 2 – Remove the Windows Defender Signature file
Another way to get rid of the 0x800704e8 error is toremoveWindows DefenderSignature file. To do that, follow the steps:
-READ ALSO:How to keep Windows Defender definitions up to date in Windows 10, 8.1
As you can see, solving the 0x800704e8 error using these methods is fairly easy. Just make sure that you don’t have any third-partyantivirusprograms on youPC, as this could easily compromise the entire process.
If you’ve come across other workarounds to fix theWindows Defendererror message0x800704e8, list the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below.
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More about the topics:Cybersecurity,windows 10 fix,Windows Defender issues
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
