Comments on: How to update Windows Defender definitions using PowerShell

By: Marianne_C

Marianne_C — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 01:18:00 +0000

Can someone please explain how the mpam-fe.exe file functions?

Are the updated definitions contained within the individual file, so a new one has to be downloaded for each update?

Or does the executable file act as a downloader that automatically connects to an MS site and downloads the newest definitions?

I can’t update Windows 10 on my tablet because the hard drive is too small, but I do want to keep Defender updated. However, downloading mpam-fe can take over an hour. If I an just use the copy I have, life would be a lot easier!

By: alexnh

alexnh — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 14:46:00 +0000

i have a WSUS server running and i want to update Defender through it, how i can do it? write to

By: Kapil Arya

Kapil Arya — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 01:55:00 +0000

In reply to Ed. ^^ Exactly! Windows Defender shouldn't be turned off by Group Policy or registry in order to follow this method. Else, PowerShell script will encounter error.

By: Ed

Ed — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:50:00 +0000

I guess it needs to be said that you must have Windows Defender running in order for this to work, this will not update your definitions if Defender is not running in the event you are using another AV.