Downloading the latest security update

Question

Downloading the latest security update

Tommy J Bugno 20

When downloading Security Intelligence Update for Microsoft Defender Antivirus - KB2267602 (Version 1.441.385.0) - Current Channel (Broad) I see a message "error encountered". When I check update history, it says it was installed. Why does it say "error encountered" for a very brief second. I never saw this before until I noticed it closely. Is this a normal function? Thank-you.

Rukmini 11,320 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-11-21T15:57:02.93+00:00
Hello Tommy J Bugno,

Yes, this is normal. While Windows Update is checking, downloading, or switching between Defender update channels, it occasionally displays “Error encountered” for a brief period.

A Security Intelligence Update is downloaded by Windows Defender after passing through a number of brief internal checks. Even though nothing truly failed, Windows Update may momentarily flash "Error encountered" if one of those processes takes longer (network delay, scanning engine swap, or a transient handshake issue).

Defender updates install many minor components, and the user interface flashes that message if even a single step is delayed.

If the update finished normally and there is no issue with your system if the Update History indicates “Successfully installed”. Many users encounter this brief error notice, which is expected behavior rather than a true failure.
Rukmini 11,320 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-11-21T15:59:56.9233333+00:00

Hello Tommy J Bugno, Let me know if any further queries!
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Rukmini 11,320 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-11-21T15:57:02.93+00:00

Hello Tommy J Bugno,

Yes, this is normal. While Windows Update is checking, downloading, or switching between Defender update channels, it occasionally displays “Error encountered” for a brief period.

A Security Intelligence Update is downloaded by Windows Defender after passing through a number of brief internal checks. Even though nothing truly failed, Windows Update may momentarily flash "Error encountered" if one of those processes takes longer (network delay, scanning engine swap, or a transient handshake issue).

Defender updates install many minor components, and the user interface flashes that message if even a single step is delayed.

If the update finished normally and there is no issue with your system if the Update History indicates “Successfully installed”. Many users encounter this brief error notice, which is expected behavior rather than a true failure.
Rukmini 11,320 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-11-21T15:59:56.9233333+00:00

Hello Tommy J Bugno, Let me know if any further queries!
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

Answer 1

The brief message "error encountered" that you see when downloading the Security Intelligence Update for Microsoft Defender Antivirus may indicate a temporary issue during the update process. This can happen for various reasons, such as network connectivity issues or a momentary glitch in the update system. However, if the update history indicates that the update was installed successfully, it suggests that the update ultimately completed despite the transient error message.

While encountering such messages occasionally can be normal, if it persists or if you experience further issues with updates, it may be worth investigating further or checking the event logs for more detailed error information.

References:

ahmed mohy 0 Reputation points

2025-12-02T13:05:31.9833333+00:00

اريد هذا التحديث KB2267602 (Version 1.441.655.0) - Current Channel (Broad) version21H2 (OS Build 22000.2538)

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Downloading the latest security update

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