STIGQter STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 9 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Microsoft Defender AV must be configured to check for definition updates daily.

DISA Rule

SV-213454r961161_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-213454

Group Title

SRG-APP-000261

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000030

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Signature Updates >> "Specify the day of the week to check for definition updates" to "Enabled" and select "Every Day" in the drop-down box.

Check Contents

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Security Intelligence Updates >> "Specify the day of the week to check for security intelligence updates" is set to "Enabled" and "Every Day" is selected in the drop-down box.

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates

Criteria: If the value "ScheduleDay" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-213454

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000030

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Security Intelligence Updates >> "Specify the day of the week to check for security intelligence updates" is set to "Enabled" and "Every Day" is selected in the drop-down box.

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates

Criteria: If the value "ScheduleDay" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3985