While updating Windows Defender, I get an error that states update cannot be installed with the error no. 0x800704e8. What is this and what is the fix?
The Error code 0x800704e8 is an update error that many users are encountering while trying to update the Windows Defender. If you are also struggling with Windows Defender error 0x800704e8, then here check out the complete solutions to fix the irritating Error 0x800704e8.
Windows Defender is a built-in protection tool that is designed for providing real-time protection. This freeware tool is provided by Microsoft to protect the user system from external threats like spyware and malware. Windows Defender is a handy tool but updating it causes various errors, the users are found complaining about the error code 0x800704e8 and other technical issues that prevent them from updating this built in an antivirus program.
It is found that while downloading the latest update in Windows Defender, the installation part of the process failed after the download, and a message appears that shows:
“Virus and Spyware definitions couldn’t be updated. Error Code 0x800704e8”
Apart from that, there are various other reasons that are responsible for getting Windows Defender update error 0x800704e8. Some of them are given below have a look:
- Third party protection software is installed in your system that is not compatible with Windows Defender. And the conflict between these two programs might lead the error.
- Due to missing or corrupted registry, outdated system drivers or Windows is not updated are the cases that computer reports 0x800705b4 while updating Windows defender.
- Windows system is infected latest virus or malicious software and system become unable to use the inbuilt Windows Defender Tool.
Now check out the possible fixes to get rid of the Windows Defender Error 0x800704e8
How to Fix Windows Defender Error 0x800704e8:
The error stops the Windows Defender from working perfectly and assist the spyware or malware to penetrate. This is very risky for the system but this can be fixed to make the system secure. Hence follow the given solutions to get rid of the error 0x800704e8.
Users are found complaining that the Windows Update Troubleshooter is not able to identify the problem related to the error message. And as a result, it can’t fix the problem but at the same time, some user report that some of the Windows Defender updates downloaded successfully, and the error 0x800704e8 doesn’t appear again.
However, if the error still appears then try the below-given solutions one by one to get rid of the update error 0x800704e8 completely.
Step 1: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software
Remove third-party antivirus software installed on your computer. Also, ensure that you have completely removed the entire antivirus from your computer manually or by making use of the third party apps
And check the error code 0x800704e8 is resolved or not.
Step 2: Manually Update Windows Defender
Try to manually update Windows Defender’s definitions through the Update button on the Update tab. And perform a complete scan to delete anything detected.
- Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter again.
- And type cmd > launch as Admin and type the given commands:
%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Defender\MPCMDRUN.exe – To removes all Windows Defender definitions
%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Defender\MPCMDRUN.exe – For updating the antivirus
- Start the Windows Defender and press the Update button. This might take few minutes for completing the update process. If you see a “failed connection” error message, close the window. The latest Windows Defender updates should already be installed.
Step 3: Remove Windows Defender Signature File
If above-given solution won’t work for you then try removing Windows Defender Signature file.
Follow the steps:
- First turn off Windows Defender completely.
- Then press Windows + R key > type Msiexec /x {A5CC2A09-E9D3-49EC-923D-03874BBD4C2C}, > press Enter.
- As the command is executed > open Windows Defender > click Update button.
- As the update process is finished > restart your system.
So, this is it, these are some possible manual solutions that help you to fix the Windows Defender error 0x800704e8.
Conclusion:
It is estimated after following the given solutions you are able to fix the Windows Defender error 0x800704e8.
But if you are still struggling with the error then scan your system with the Windows Repair Tool, this is the best repair utility that helps you to fix various Windows update related issues and errors.
Despite this also keep your device drivers updated with the latest update, also install latest Windows updates, delete the temporary files, and uninstall the unwanted apps, programs to make your system perform better.
Also if you have any query or suggestions, then please feel free to share it with us in the comment section below or you can also go to our Fix Windows Errors Ask Question Page.
