Microsoft Refreshes Windows 11 and Server ISOs With Latest Defender Definitions

Microsoft has released updated Windows Defender packages for Windows installation images, giving newly installed systems more current protection from the moment they are deployed.

The update arrives shortly after the company published new Windows 11 Insider Preview ISO files. Although Defender security intelligence updates are delivered regularly through Windows Update, installation images such as WIM, VHD, and ISO files typically receive refreshed Defender components only every few months.

As a result, systems installed from older media can start with outdated Defender definitions and binaries, leaving them less protected until Windows Update downloads the latest anti-malware updates. Microsoft said the new package helps reduce that gap by updating the anti-malware client, engine, and security intelligence versions included in Windows installation images.

New versions, threat detections, and supported platforms

According to Microsoft’s antimalware definition release notes, the latest package is based on security intelligence update version 1.445.323.0, with the Defender package version carrying the same number. After installation, Windows images are updated to platform version 4.18.26040.7, engine version 1.1.26040.8, and security intelligence version 1.447.236.0.

Microsoft said security intelligence version 1.447.236.0 adds detections for a range of threats, including trojans, backdoors, ransomware, stealers, AutoKMS-related software, and other forms of malware.

The package supports Windows 11, Windows 10 ESU, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016.

Users creating new Windows 11 installation media through Microsoft’s official Media Creation Tool should already receive media that includes the updated Defender definitions.

Separately, Microsoft recently announced new Kerberos features and addressed a Windows Update issue that automatically installed drivers on some systems.

Via Neowin