Using Windows Defender Offline

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated January 16, 2017)

Windows Defender, formerly known as Windows AntiSpyware, is a software package from Microsoft that provides continuous protection against malware. In addition to providing real-time protection, Windows Defender also lets you perform on-demand scanning and malware removal.

Like other anti-malware products, Windows Defender uses a database of definitions to detect malware. Unlike other products, though, these definitions are established and maintained through the use of a "voting network", which Microsoft describes as "a worldwide network of users who help discover and report new threats". Through the use of this model, "Microsoft analysts review these reports and develop new software definitions to guard against the new threats, so that everyone is better protected".

There are some other Tips about Windows Defender, but this one is about how to use it offline. Begin by clicking Start | Settings and then clicking Update & security. The following screen appears: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Navigating to Windows Defender.

On the left-hand side, click Windows Defender. Now you need to ensure that Windows Defender is turned on. As you can see in the following figure, mine is currently turned off because I have another anti-virus program running. (You should only have one anti-virus program running at a time.) Until I turn my existing AV program off, and turn Windows Defender on, I will not be able to use the offline capabilities. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. The Settings screen with Windows Defender turned off.

If it's turned off, just click the Turn on Windows Defender button to enable its settings. When Windows Defender is turned on, scroll down to the bottom of the Settings window to find the "Windows Defender Offline" section: (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Preparing to scan.

As you can see by reading the text, your PC will be restarted. The entire process will take about 15 minutes. When you're ready, click the Scan Offline button.

 This tip (2130) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

How to Find Apps Faster

This tip reveals a little-known trick that enables you to move around your Start menu a little faster. The result is ...

Discover More

Backing Up the Windows Registry

Windows wouldn't function if it weren't for the Registry. It's important, therefore, to back it up�"especially before ...

Discover More

DesktopOK

Are you frustrated by your desktop icons moving around whenever you change your screen resolution or use Remote Desktop? ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Creating a Selection Set

You may often need to work with many files at the same time. For example, you may wish to copy or delete a set of files. ...

Discover More

Ending a Frozen Program

Sometimes a program can get "stuck," meaning it is no longer responsive and appears to be doing nothing at all. You can ...

Discover More

Should I Leave My Computer On All the Time?

Do you turn your computer on and off all the time? Do you really know if this is good for your computer or not?

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips