How to add exclusions only for real-time scanning

WebMaximus · 30 Jan 2018

After using Avast for a long time I thought I would try Windows Defender out.

One newbie question - how do I add exclusions for real-time scanning only or isn't this possible in Windows Defender?

I have some areas where I don't want any real-time scanning for performance reasons but I still want these areas scanned when performing a manual or scheduled scan.

Or maybe the footprint using Windows Defender is small enough not having to worry about performance issues even with real-time scanning enabled for all files and folders?

AndreTen · 30 Jan 2018

Think that real time and scheduled scans can't be separated.
Paths or processes can be excluded, but for both. Manual scan is not a problem, since it could be run with path in mind...

Check more here for powershell cmdlets:
technet.microsoft.com | library

Commands would be Set-MpPreference and Add-MpPreference

WebMaximus · 30 Jan 2018

Ok, guess I'll start with no exclusions to find out how big (or small) the performance footprint is.

AndreTen · 30 Jan 2018

WebMaximus said:

Ok, guess I'll start with no exclusions to find out how big (or small) the performance footprint is.

Of course, you can add exclusions via Defender itself: Virus and threat protection / Exclusions:

How to add exclusions only for real-time scanning-image.png

WebMaximus · 30 Jan 2018

As stated in my initial post I do know I can add exclusions.

What I couldn't find was how to add exclusions only affecting the real-time scanning.