Can I make optional updates for MSE be automatically download please?

[MadMudMob]

I use Microsoft Security Essentials but I notice the updates come as 'optional' which means I have to regularly remember to go the my Windows Update page and check for them.

Is there a way perhaps to make these be automatically installed as the 'important' updates are by my PC please?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Sure is compliments of DavidE
How To Fix Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Definitions Updates

It is different than what your requesting but I'm sure you won't mind

 

[MadMudMob]

brill - thankyou

Off to follow the instructions right now

 

[Alejandro85]

MSE always downloads its updates regardless of Windows updates, without user knowledge or consent. You don't have to do anything for this to happen, and there is no (easy) way to prevent this from happening too.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi using a scheduled task is indeed brilliant
And is working perfectly Thanks again DavidE

 

[MadMudMob]

Not going well ....

as soon as I open the task scheduler I get this notice come up:
The scheduled task "{0}" no longer exists. To see the current tasks click Refresh.

When I do that it comes up again. The actual page tells me ...
Reading Data Failed

I have looked at the task list and can't find one labelled "{0}" at all. Followed the instructions in the link but at the end I got the same notice.

Anyone offer any advice as to what is wrong please?

 

[MadMudMob]

MSE always downloads its updates regardless of Windows updates, without user knowledge or consent. You don't have to do anything for this to happen, and there is no (easy) way to prevent this from happening too.

Mine doesn't.

I have Windows updates set to automatically download themselves but the MSE updates come as optional so are not automatically downloaded?

 

[Alejandro85]

Mine doesn't.

I have Windows updates set to automatically download themselves but the MSE updates come as optional so are not automatically downloaded?

Windows updates are irrelevant to MSE updates. They do show there, but ultimately MSE downloads database updates on its own anyway. You can check that in the MSE screen, watch that the database date is constantly updating even if you leave Windows updates completely disabled.

Maybe what doesn't comes automatically are engine and program updates, but the virus database are always downloaded you like it or don't, on its own, without relation with Windows updates.

 

[MadMudMob]

I had no idea .... thankyou, I will stop worrying about it then

(but I still wonder what is wrong with my Task Scheduler?)

 

[carwiz]

That's true IF you have the Microsoft Software box checked in the update options. And how you have the download option set plays a roll. I get mine every morning but because I have "Let me choose..." I still need to check the box on MSE Definitions and install them. I don't mind as it's become SOP every morning after turning on the PC. And I want the choice of checking and installing all updates to control the "extras" MS throws in once in a while.

The task schedule gives a little better control.

 

[Alejandro85]

No, MSE doesn't pays attention to Windows update at all! It updates on its own, including if Windows updates are completely disabled (as they should). No option controls this, MSE will just rebel at fetch updates every day at will, the only condition being the Windows update service to be running (or just set to manual, I don't remember). Even though the update settings are set to never download or notify, MSE will ALWAYS download updates on its own.
Microsoft employees publicly admitted this weird behavior, saying that this cannot be disabled at all (google about it and tons more references will come). Bottom line, MSE updates automatically always. Task scheduler can add additional schedules, but don't cancels the built-in ones.

 

[ThrashZone]

Not going well ....

as soon as I open the task scheduler I get this notice come up:
The scheduled task "{0}" no longer exists. To see the current tasks click Refresh.

When I do that it comes up again. The actual page tells me ...
Reading Data Failed

I have looked at the task list and can't find one labelled "{0}" at all. Followed the instructions in the link but at the end I got the same notice.

Anyone offer any advice as to what is wrong please?

That is indeed strange :/
Not sure how to trouble shoot that

Run sfc/ scannow
Three times in a row if necessary
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

You can also uninstall MSE and re-install it after running sfc..

 

[carwiz]

I didn't say Windows update. I said Microsoft Software. The selection is different. Mine don't download. I get a notice the Definitions are available just like any other update. I select when to download and install it/them. So the statement "MSE will ALWAYS download updates" is not correct either. They do NOT download until I choose to let them download and install. When I do choose them, I see the moving "green bar" with the text "downloading" then I see the text "Installing".

I would give you screen shots of the process but I've already been through it this morning.

 

[carwiz]

Not going well ....

as soon as I open the task scheduler I get this notice come up:
The scheduled task "{0}" no longer exists. To see the current tasks click Refresh.

When I do that it comes up again. The actual page tells me ...
Reading Data Failed

I have looked at the task list and can't find one labelled "{0}" at all. Followed the instructions in the link but at the end I got the same notice.

Anyone offer any advice as to what is wrong please?

That is indeed strange :/
Not sure how to trouble shoot that

Run sfc/ scannow
Three times in a row if necessary
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

You can also uninstall MSE and re-install it after running sfc..

Yeah, that's not right. I'd throw in a MBAM scan too. Some malware may have taken over the scheduler.

 

[Ranger4]

To add an extra note to this, MSE updates before it does a system scan. I have mine set to do a scan once a week & it updates before it does the scan, even if I have updated it earlier.

I check for updates every morning just after I start the computer & install any MSE updates that show up including the optional ones.

 

[DavidE]

Not going well ....

as soon as I open the task scheduler I get this notice come up:
The scheduled task "{0}" no longer exists. To see the current tasks click Refresh.

You might have corrupt scheduled tasks.
See this LONG MS thread about this error:
Error messege: the selected task "{0}" no longer - Microsoft Community

 

[NoelDP]

The 'Optionality' of Defender and MSE updates is irrelevant - it's purely a backup option, and MSE will apply the update when it gets to it itself - or WU will do it at the normal WU update time. This is the reason that you are almost inevitably going to get the occasional 'failed' notice in the Update history.

MSE has its own schedule for updating built in, and doesn't have to use Windows Update to do it.

 

[carwiz]

I get MSE Definition updates every morning through WU. And, I can fetch (get) more in the afternoon if I choose. I got it this morning and took a few snips. I can also fetch updates through MSE itself at any time or choose to let it update before running a scan. So I don't understand what you're talking about.

Gotta run for now but I can post the snips this after noon.