Can I schedule scans with Windows Defender?

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  1. Posts : 180
    Windows 10
       #1

    Can I schedule scans with Windows Defender?


    There does not seem to be a way to schedule an automatic daily scan with Windows Defender.
    I got a action center notification to run a Defender scan. Is that something I can expect regularly?
    Having to do a regular manual scan will be a pain.
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  2. Posts : 219
    10 (Free upgrade)
       #2

    Windows Defender has no configuration options for scheduled scanning in its GUI.

    In Windows 10, a quick scan is performed during the daily scheduled maintenance (3:00 AM?)
    If your computer is off then the scan runs shortly after starting the next time.

    In case no scanning has been performed for a while, Action Center will notify about this, stating "Windows Defender needs to scan your computer".

    To schedule a daily scan in Windows 10, type "schedule" in the search bar and click Task Scheduler.
    Right-click Task Scheduler (Local) on the left side and click on Create Basic Task.
    The Create Basic Task window opens.
    Type a nice memorable name for the scan and click Next.
    Then select Trigger, then Daily.
    In action selection, the default Start a program is fine.
    Navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows Defender and double-click MpCmdRun.exe.
    (This is the program that allows performing common tasks in Windows Defender.)
    Depending on your folder option settings, you might not see the ".exe" and ".dll" extensions.
    Finish.

    I think that's about it.

    If Microsoft knows a hard way to do something it'll be pounced on and made the ONLY way to do something! :)
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  3. Posts : 166
    Win 10 Pro 64Bit
       #3

    DavidG said:
    There does not seem to be a way to schedule an automatic daily scan with Windows Defender.
    I got a action center notification to run a Defender scan. Is that something I can expect regularly?
    Having to do a regular manual scan will be a pain.
    Hi

    This now controlled by the Task Scheduler.

    Here are the MS instructions: Schedule a scan in Windows Defender - Microsoft Windows


    Regards
    UKMedia
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  4. Posts : 68,667
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 4
    windows 10
       #5

    teachermark said:
    Windows Defender has no configuration options for scheduled scanning in its GUI.

    In Windows 10, a quick scan is performed during the daily scheduled maintenance (3:00 AM?)
    If your computer is off then the scan runs shortly after starting the next time.

    In case no scanning has been performed for a while, Action Center will notify about this, stating "Windows Defender needs to scan your computer".

    To schedule a daily scan in Windows 10, type "schedule" in the search bar and click Task Scheduler.
    Right-click Task Scheduler (Local) on the left side and click on Create Basic Task.
    The Create Basic Task window opens.
    Type a nice memorable name for the scan and click Next.
    Then select Trigger, then Daily.
    In action selection, the default Start a program is fine.
    Navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows Defender and double-click MpCmdRun.exe.
    (This is the program that allows performing common tasks in Windows Defender.)
    Depending on your folder option settings, you might not see the ".exe" and ".dll" extensions.
    Finish.

    I think that's about it.

    If Microsoft knows a hard way to do something it'll be pounced on and made the ONLY way to do something! :)
    How do you navigate to windows defender? I found out but it took me a while; other people might have that problem too.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 180
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Georgia said:
    How do you navigate to windows defender? I found out but it took me a while; other people might have that problem too.
    The easiest way I know is to right click on the start button in the lower left corner of your desktop. Then left click on CONTROL PANEL (in the top right corner of control panel : VIEW BY = Large Icons), then left click on WINDOWS DEFENDER.

    Hi Georgia and welcome to Tenforums (I noticed this was your first post).
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  7. Posts : 68,667
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    Hello Georgia, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    If you plan on using Windows Defender often, then the context menu added by the tutorial below can help make opening and using Windows Defender easier.

    Add Windows Defender context menu in Windows 10 Customization Tutorials
    Last edited by Brink; 04 Dec 2017 at 13:17. Reason: updated link
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 7
    Windows 10 64
       #8

    teachermark said:
    Windows Defender has no configuration options for scheduled scanning in its GUI.

    In Windows 10, a quick scan is performed during the daily scheduled maintenance (3:00 AM?)
    If your computer is off then the scan runs shortly after starting the next time.

    In case no scanning has been performed for a while, Action Center will notify about this, stating "Windows Defender needs to scan your computer".

    To schedule a daily scan in Windows 10, type "schedule" in the search bar and click Task Scheduler.
    Right-click Task Scheduler (Local) on the left side and click on Create Basic Task.
    The Create Basic Task window opens.
    Type a nice memorable name for the scan and click Next.
    Then select Trigger, then Daily.
    In action selection, the default Start a program is fine.
    Navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows Defender and double-click MpCmdRun.exe.
    (This is the program that allows performing common tasks in Windows Defender.)
    Depending on your folder option settings, you might not see the ".exe" and ".dll" extensions.
    Finish.

    I think that's about it.

    If Microsoft knows a hard way to do something it'll be pounced on and made the ONLY way to do something! :)

    Thank you VERY much! WD was driving me crazy with that "Windows Defender needs to scan your computer".Thanks a lot!
    Last edited by marinildac; 19 Sep 2015 at 06:25. Reason: mistake
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 180
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    marinildac said:
    Thank you VERY much! WD was driving me crazy with that "Windows Defender needs to scan your computer".Thanks a lot!
    Hello marinildac and WELCOME to TENFORUMS.
    If you have not found this page take a look at the Tutorials page. Lots of subjects and great content.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 7
    Windows 10 64
       #10

    It worked! teachermark is just great!
    loooove this windows foruns thing!
    hugs!
      My Computer


 

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