Check Internet downloads to make sure they're free from viruses?

Hi,
Something Im curious about having recently read some posts about how people are using their PC to download and install programmes from the internet.
When a programmes/files are downloaded from the internet you always get the pop-up at the bottom of the screen asking if you want to Run or Save it.
I generally select to Run the programme if I'm going to install it because once its installed I'm not going to need it again. My understanding is that it is put into a temporary folder and then automatically deleted by Windows shortly after it has been Run and the programme has been installed. So to my way of thinking there's no point in saving it and then running it from the Downloads folder because Im not going to need it again. Ive read posts where some people say that when downloading from the internet they always use the Save option instead of the Run option. They select to Save the file to the Downloads folder. Then they run a virus scan on the file to check that is free from viruses/malware first before they Run it. Is that necessary?
I use the Edge browser and Windows Defender. I thought that Windows Defender real time protection automatically scans all downloads anyway to make sure they're safe and free from malware before you are able to Run the downloaded file.

If Windows Defender deems a program a threat when you try to run it, it will automatically Quarantine the program. If it is a false positive, you can open Windows Defender/Current Threats and choose to Allow the program, if you know it to be safe.

Good question. Windows improves it's anti-virus capabilities all the time. Long time ago I got in the habit of saving/scanning downloads & since CCleaner bit me a couple years ago I scan just about all downloads with MBAM now too. Perhaps I'm performing unnecessary work.

p.s. not sure MBAM would have caught issues with CCleaner download either. Noticed something wonky right away tho & uninstalled it.

sportsfan148 said:

I thought that Windows Defender real time protection automatically scans all downloads anyway to make sure they're safe and free from malware before you are able to Run the downloaded file.

I don't use Windows Defender and I will scan downloaded (software or executable) files that are new to me.

Maybe consider getting MBAM browser plugin for Chrome or Firefox if you use either of them.

Introducing: Malwarebytes Browser Extension - Malwarebytes Labs | Malwarebytes Labs

sportsfan148 said:

Hi mate I don't use any other browsers..only Microsoft edge. I prefer to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible. That's why I stick to Edge and Windows Defender only.

Well it's likely that Edge will eventually be replaced with a Chromium build - then you can install addons.

Microsoft Edge Insider preview builds are now ready for you to try

Personally I removed Edge and replaced it with Canary build for now but it is not my main browser.

Show Menu Bar in Edge