Windows 7: MSE not performing as expected

I have been using MSE for over a year and find it to be quite effective. Lately, however, the automatic updates and scheduled scans seem to have been disabled - I now have to do manual process for both - it isn't a big deal but I kind of like the automatic nature of these processes. I have searched this forum but don't really see any answers to this. Help would be most appreciated. Thank you very much.

MSE normally gets definition updates via Windows Update.
Take a look in your Windows Update History to see if they are listed, and if there are any errors.

Check your MSE Settings.
If "Start the scheduled scan only when my PC is on but not in use" is checked, uncheck it and see if that helps.
Also, is your PC on at the time of the Scheduled Scan?

things to check:
windows update | change settings | set as shown and click on OK


==================================

WIN | type SECURITY ESSENTIALS | ENTER |
SETTINGS tab | set shown | OK button

All settings changed to your recommendations but still no deal. Yes, my system is always on for the scan time I have set. One person says, uncheck item about starting the scheduled scan when pc is on but not in use. The other says to check it. I have tried it both ways and still no deal. Guess I'll have to do manual updates and scans - thanks for input.

Lets first focus on the Virus definition updates.
Did you look at Windows Update History and what did you see?
Can you post a screen print of your WU History?
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

Is your system current with all updates and you are using the latest MSE version (Ver 4)?

Here is my recent WU History - can you post yours?

Here is a screenshot of recent mse updates. The ones from the eleventh thru today I did manually. The ones before that were automatic. I am up to date on all Windows security updates as well. I do not see any errors. They all say "successful". I am using V4 of mse. Thanks again.

OK, everything there looks good, thanks.

So since the 11th, you have manually updated the definitions from the MSE/Update window, right?

Just so you know, MSE updates definitions 2-3 times per day, and Windows Update only checks for updates once per day (as far as i know).

Today, do NOT run the update from the MSE/Update window.

Go to the Windows Update screen and check for updates.
You may have to do this every few hours until a new definition update is available.

When you see a new definition update is available, try to install it from WU.
If you do not see a new definition available within a day, or the update errors out post back with that info.

If you want to test this quicker, you should be able to uninstall your last Definition Update.
If that is uninstalled, you should see an update available for that definition after you uninstall it...

Hope this makes sense!

Will do tomorrow - already done for today. Yes, from the 11th on, have done manuals. Makes perfect sense!! Will take care of suggestions tomorrow. Thanks very much.

David has given you excellent and accurate advice.

Just for the record, I too prefer to manually update for two reasons: 1) to obtain updates "immediately", 2) so that my computer doesn't try to perform an update an inopportune time.

A nice touch from MS would be ot have an option to truly automatically and instantly update with one easy click when ever we choose.

Oh well, MS is not known (despite what they say) at being responsive to customer input.

karl

Well, interestingly enough, today I did as suggested and downloaded from the WU screen. About 20 minutes later, the scheduled scan started. I don't really understand the difference from updating thru MSE screen or the WU screen. Also, did that WU download do something to trigger the automatic scan?? Is this what I have to do every day? I don't mind but it does seem easier to do it thru the MSE process.Thanks again for all help from all - I will mark this as solved, yes???