Windows defender definition updates - are they cumulative?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andy
  • Start date Start date
A

Andy

On my vista ultimate 32 bit, I have set automatic updates to notify only.
When the new defender update notice comes up, it is about 3 - 400 KB in size.
When I go to the defender site to get the update, it is always about 12MB.
I keep the download for my other machines. My question is do I have to keep
the older definition updates when I reinstall my windows in the future?
 
No and yes.

The defs as distributed by AU and WU are usually, but not always, NOT
cumulative. The defs as distributed at the security
portal--www.microsoft.com/security--are ALWAYS cumulative.

No--don't bother to keep the old def updates--just hit WU once after you
reinstall, or grab the update from the portal.

WU is smart enough to give you what you need.

Andy said:
On my vista ultimate 32 bit, I have set automatic updates to notify only.
When the new defender update notice comes up, it is about 3 - 400 KB in
size.
When I go to the defender site to get the update, it is always about 12MB.
I keep the download for my other machines. My question is do I have to
keep
the older definition updates when I reinstall my windows in the future?
Click to expand...


--
 
Bill,

Thanks for the information. Now I know that I can just delete the 640+ MB
of previous definitions :) since I installed Vista about 9 months ago,
which happens to run very well, as opposed to many who claimed that Vista has
a lot of problems.

Andy
 
If you install Defender from scratch, and then download what is posted at
the security portal, and run the download--it'll be up to date.

I find that I am looking on XP for some of the performance tuning tools that
are present on Vista and which I use, and find helpful.
 
Bill,

What XP tuning tools do you have in mind?

In Vista, I have disabled system restore (I use ghost on a monthly basis
before monthly updates for both vista and XP dual booting and my older XP),
and many other eye candy stuff. I have also disabled some of the services
according to black viper's site. I am using avast, spybotS&D together with
WD. I have never have any positive (real or false) using WD and MS malware
detection tool. Before checking on the NG, I used to think that the MS
products are not useful. Maybe I am mistaken. The only firewall I have is
the vista firewall and zone alarm (on XP). Is there any other malware
detection tool you can recommend for me?

Thanks again for your info.

Andy
 
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