Can You Schedule Windows Defender Scans?

HopefulKayaker

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I've read that you used to be able to go to Tools > Settings in Windows Defender and schedule periodic scans. However, in Windows 8, the Tools menu is gone! I see nothing about this in the Settings section.

I've also tried to set this up in Task Scheduler, but I don't know the proper command and arguments for quick scan, full scan, etc.
 

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Hello Kayaker, and welcome to Eight Forums.


If you like, you could use the existing Windows Defender Scheduled Scan task (middle pane) in the path below (left pane) in Task Scheduler. Double click on the Windows Defender Scheduled Scan task, and create a new Trigger for when you would like to have it run. The default is a for a quick scan.

Task Scheduler Library\Windows\Windows Defender

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/14264-windows-defender-scheduled-scan-set-up-windows-8-a.html


If you would like to set up a new custom task in Task Scheduler. Here are the commands:

Update and Quick Scan:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -UpdateAndQuickScan

Update only:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -Update

Quick Scan:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -QuickScan

Full Scan:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -FullScan​


Hope this helps, :)
Shawn
 
Last edited:

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Thanks Brink, as I was also wondering about this. Are those 3 options the only valid ones? Could I use just -Update to schedule updates automatically outside of Windows Update in cooperation with a schedule scan..like have updates and scans on a different timed schedule?
 

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Hello LovingWindows,

You could, but you would need to create new separate tasks for each one to have it them on a different timed schedule.

I added the other command above. :)
 

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Hello LovingWindows,

You could, but you would need to create new separate tasks for each one to have it them on a different timed schedule. :)

That is what I planned to do, something along the lines of what MBAM Pro does where I can schedule updates in realtime every X minutes and then a schedule scan once or twice per day.

Is -Update a valid argument?

Also I tried earlier but when trying to create a schedule task it comes up with a dialog of my username and a password field and says I can't use a blank password, but I don't use a password for my account.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
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    PC/Desktop
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    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
what i do not understand is why WD did not have a schedular inside the program like MSE has and like the old WD did have. This way you can set it to a schedule if you wanted or not
 

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I know, and I think they should add back the simple setting of scheduling your scan from within the interface. I guess the workaround functions but it's not as quick. It no longer applies to me as my new processor can multitask like nobody's business but you also used to be able to limit the CPU usage during the scan, as well as its automatic update feature separated from Windows Update. The overall package still does the same job, it's just not as easily customisable for your needs/wants.
 

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My issue is that the latest Definition Update is only downloaded if I ask for it. I imagine it is a time zone thing. Whenever I check for updates on Windows Update it always has an updated definition I have not installed. I have not tried at 4 am though to be fair.

It would be nice if you could check for updates every hour rather than once per day which doesn't synch with release time in the US.

Having said that I'm still to get a virus so it must work pretty well.
 

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I set up a scheduled scan using the tutorial. Everything appeared ok in the task scheduler library but.... sofar it hasn't worked .
I get the following message in the Task Scheduler window .
"The system cannot find the file specified (0x80070002)"
What have I done wrong?
 

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I'd like some follow up on this as well. My Scheduled Update task removes itself from Task Scheduler every time it is run, meaning I have to recreate it.
 

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