Windows Defender Periodic Scanning with Third-Party Antivirus
Windows 10 and Enhanced Malware Protection
Windows Defender is integrated directly into Windows 10, functioning as a standard antivirus solution designed to safeguard your computer against malicious software.
The Anniversary Update introduced a significant enhancement to Windows Defender’s capabilities.
Dual-Layered Security
This update enables Windows Defender to continue offering a supplementary level of security, even when a third-party antivirus program is already installed on your system.
Traditionally, running multiple always-on antivirus applications simultaneously is not recommended.
How Windows Defender Coexists
Typically, Windows Defender automatically deactivates itself upon the installation of another antivirus program to avoid conflicts.
However, a new setting allows Windows Defender to operate in a supportive role, providing additional security without fully engaging real-time protection.
Scanning Options
Users retain the ability to initiate comprehensive system scans or target specific folders for malware detection manually.
This provides a flexible approach to security, allowing for both automated and on-demand protection.
- Real-time protection: Continuous monitoring for threats.
- Scheduled scans: Automated scans at pre-defined intervals.
- Manual scans: User-initiated scans of the entire system or specific locations.
Activating Limited Periodic Scanning in Windows Defender
Related: Evaluating Antivirus Solutions for Windows 10 and 11 – Is Microsoft Defender Sufficient?
A feature called "limited periodic scanning" provides an additional layer of security. When activated, Windows Defender will intermittently scan your system for potential malware that your main antivirus software might have overlooked. This feature isn't activated by default.
Currently, enabling this option isn't possible on Windows 10 devices managed within a domain environment. The setting is located within the Windows Defender settings, accessible through the Settings app.
To reach the setting, begin by opening the Start menu and selecting "Settings". Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Defender, and then activate the "Limited Periodic Scanning" function.
This feature is exclusively available when a third-party antivirus program is already installed and active. If you are not utilizing another antivirus solution, Windows Defender is already providing comprehensive protection through both real-time monitoring and scheduled system scans.
Windows Update automatically delivers the newest antivirus definitions to Windows Defender, ensuring it remains current.
Conducting a Manual System Scan
A manual scan of your computer, or designated folders, can be initiated using Windows Defender, regardless of whether another antivirus solution is currently active. Utilizing Windows Defender in this manner offers a supplementary security check, potentially identifying threats overlooked by your primary antivirus software.
To begin, access the Windows Defender application. This can be achieved by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Defender > Open Windows Defender, or by clicking the Windows Defender icon in the system tray and choosing "Open". Alternatively, launch it directly from the Start menu.
If limited periodic scanning has been configured, a notification confirming "Windows Defender Periodic Scanning is ON" will be displayed, while also indicating that real-time protection is managed by a different antivirus program.
To initiate a manual scan, three options are available: "Quick" for a rapid assessment, "Full" for a comprehensive system analysis, and "Custom" to specify particular folders for scanning. Select your desired scan type and then click "Scan Now" to commence the process.
Windows Defender typically maintains up-to-date antivirus definitions automatically. However, you can manually check for updates by selecting the "Update" tab and initiating a check before starting a scan, if preferred.
Responding to Malware Detections by Windows Defender
Should malware be identified during a scan – whether a quick scan or a full system check – a notification will appear indicating potentially harmful software has been found.
Selecting this notification will provide detailed information from Windows Defender regarding the detected malware. Users are then presented with options for handling the threat.
Reviewing Detection History
A comprehensive record of all malware identified by Windows Defender is accessible through the History tab within the Windows Defender interface.
This history allows for review of past detections and provides insight into potential security vulnerabilities.
Considering Alternative Antivirus Solutions
If Windows Defender consistently detects malware that your primary antivirus solution fails to identify, it may be prudent to evaluate alternative antivirus programs.
Frequent bypasses of your main security software suggest a potential weakness in its detection capabilities.
- Regularly check the History tab for patterns.
- Consider a different antivirus if detections are frequent.
- Ensure your primary antivirus is up-to-date.