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In Windows 11, open Windows Security and go to Virus & threat protection > Protection updates. The version shown there is called the security intelligence version in current Microsoft guidance; select Check for updates to check for a newer version.
Find the security intelligence version
- Select Start and type Windows Security.
- Open the Windows Security app.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Protection updates, read the security intelligence version and the update information. Microsoft’s explanation may refer to this area as “Virus & threat protection updates.”
- To have Windows check for a newer version, select Check for updates.
Microsoft’s current instructions use this Protection updates route for checking security intelligence: Virus and threat protection in the Windows Security app.
What the version labels mean
“Signature version” and “definition version” are familiar names for the threat data Microsoft currently calls security intelligence. Those files contain information about the latest threats and are used when a scan runs. Windows normally downloads security intelligence through Windows Update, and the app also lets you check manually.
- Security intelligence version: the threat definitions you came to check; find it under Virus & threat protection > Protection updates.
- Windows Security app version: the version of the app itself, not the threat definitions. Microsoft lists it under Settings > About in Windows Security. See Windows Security app settings.
- Engine or signature package version: component-version details used in some antimalware deployment troubleshooting. They are related to Defender but are not interchangeable with the consumer-facing security intelligence version; Microsoft’s Microsoft Malware Protection Engine deployment information describes that troubleshooting context.
If you cannot find the version
Make sure you opened the Windows Security app and selected Virus & threat protection, rather than looking in Settings > About, which shows the app’s own version. If a different antivirus product is running, Microsoft says Defender Antivirus can automatically enter disabled mode. In that situation, check which security provider is active before interpreting Defender’s status as active protection. Microsoft explains the built-in app and provider behavior in Stay protected with the Windows Security app.
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