Microsoft Defender is an antivirus software that's included in Windows and can help protect your device from viruses, malware, and other threats.
Important: Before you use Windows Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs.
To turn on Windows defender
Complete the following steps to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus on your device.
- Select the Start menu.
- In the search bar, type group policy. Then select Edit group policy from the listed results. The Local Group Policy Editor will open.
- Select Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list and select Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- Select Disabled or Not configured. It might feel counter-intuitive to select these options because the names suggest that you're turning Microsoft Defender Antivirus off. Don't worry, these options actually ensure that it's turned on.
- Select Apply > OK.
The Windows Defender Offline scan takes about 15 minutes to run, and then your PC will restart.
View the results of your scan
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Open your Windows Security settings.
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Select Virus & threat protection>Protection history.
The Windows Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware.
Microsoft Source Remove malware from your Windows PC
Contact Us
Our agents and support team are here to answer questions, offer guidance and resolve any Cyber attacks.
To reach us:
Phone: +1 (223) 232-2220
Email: customersupport@cyberaid.app
You can submit a request in our Help Center or chat with us using our chatbot or our mobile cyber app.
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Our mission at CyberAid is to keep you safe and secure online with all the cyber protection you need in one place. To get the most effective cyber defense, download our mobile cyber app.