In Windows 7 it was possible to have the Windows Updates be set to "Download but manually install", with Security Essentials still auto updating virus signatures.

In Windows 8 this does not appear possible...

As I cannot have Windows auto-update and reboot on me due to having tests running on PCs, I have Windows set to download updates only. However due to this selection, Windows Defender (SE replacement) no longer auto updates. To me this is a big step backwards in security.

Windows 8 needs an option where virus signature updates can be automatic but Windows remains manual. They are after all different things.

If anyone knows how to do this, would appreciate a reply. If not, this is feedback to Microsoft.

You will find many previous discussions about this in the Defender forums; such as...


http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_updating/automatic-installation-of-windows-defender-updates/2f4b21d6-40b8-4f35-adc0-3809184e2ebf

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_updating/windows-defender-doesnt-update-when-windows-update/ad2706d2-97b3-4cd4-aadd-2475d0a1ed42

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_updating/windows-8-defender-will-not-update/0316f15c-96f0-451d-9242-805e568baf19

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_updating/how-do-i-get-windows-defender-to-update-the/dc6f637c-a491-4b10-83ff-ab08357b4504

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_updating/windows-defender-latest-definition-updates/205209a9-1867-4e8f-b281-3bd87fbed653