Microsoft Updates Windows Defender Security for Windows 11 26H2 Installation Images

Microsoft has released updated Windows Defender security definitions for Windows 11 26H2 installation images, improving protection against recently discovered malware.

The update also supports Windows 10 and several Windows Server versions, helping protect systems during fresh installations.

Microsoft refreshes Defender security definitions for Windows installation images

Microsoft periodically updates Windows installation images, including ISO, WIM, and VHD files, with newer Defender components and malware definitions.

These updates help reduce the security gap that can occur when users install Windows from older images containing outdated antivirus definitions.

According to Microsoft’s security intelligence release notes, the updated package includes:

• Platform version: 4.18.26090.9
• Engine version: 1.1.26090.9
• Security intelligence version: 1.459.387.0

The updated definitions improve detection of various threats, including trojans, ransomware, backdoors, etc.

Which Windows versions support the updated Defender package?

The package supports Windows 11, Windows 10 ESU, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016.

Microsoft also includes support for Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016.

The release comes as Microsoft expands Windows 11 26H2 availability, including direct upgrades from eligible Windows 10 PCs.

Microsoft also released other Windows 11 security and recovery fixes

The Defender update follows several Windows 11 maintenance releases.

Microsoft recently addressed Always On VPN connection issues with KB5127936 and a Smart App Control bug through the same optional update.

The company also released Windows 11 recovery updates KB5128977 and KB5130881, improving Windows Setup and recovery components.

Via Neowin