If you’re facing the KB2267602 update failure for Microsoft Defender, you’re not alone. This error can hinder the optimal performance of your antivirus software, making your system vulnerable. This guide will walk you through proven methods to troubleshoot and fix the KB2267602 update failure, ensuring that your Microsoft Defender is fully operational and your system is protected.

Step 1: Stop Windows Update Services

Before making any changes, you need to stop a few essential services that might interfere with the update process. To do this:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator”.
  2. Enter the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver

Step 2: Rename Software Distribution and Catroot2 Folders

Next, you’ll need to rename two folders that store update files. This will force Windows to recreate the folders afresh. Execute the following commands in the same Command Prompt:

  1. Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
  • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Step 3: Restart the Services

Now that you’ve renamed the folders, it’s time to restart the services that you stopped earlier. Use the following commands:

  1. Enter the following commands and press Enter after each:
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver

Step 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the problem persists, it’s advisable to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This built-in tool can identify and resolve update issues automatically:

  1. Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the sidebar, then choose Additional troubleshooters.
  4. Click on Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.

Step 5: Check for Updates Manually

Lastly, you can check for updates manually. Return to the Update & Security settings, and click on Check for updates to see if the KB2267602 update can be successfully installed now.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

Here are some additional tips that can help enhance your process:

  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during updates.
  • Deactivate any third-party antivirus software temporarily, as it may conflict with Microsoft Defender updates.
  • If the issue persists, consider accessing the Microsoft Support website for further assistance.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KB2267602 update failure for Microsoft Defender. Keeping your antivirus software updated is crucial for your system’s security. If you have further issues, consider looking into related troubleshooting guides that address similar update failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the KB2267602 update failure?

The failure can be due to corrupted update files, network issues, or conflicts with other installed security software.

Do I need to restart my computer after following these steps?

Yes, restarting your computer can ensure that all changes take effect and the update processes correctly resume.

What if my update keeps failing after these steps?

If the update continues to fail after following this guide, you may need to consult additional Microsoft resources or seek support for deeper issues.

2025