How to Schedule a Scan in Windows Defender

In this tutorial, we are going to see how to schedule a scan in Windows Defender. Using the task scheduler, you can schedule a Windows Defender scan in Windows 10. Follow the steps below to do it.

Usually, Windows Defender automatically performs a quick scan of your system from time to time to make sure there are no threats. However, this scan is rather minimal and only looks at important system components and folders. If you want, you can create your own Windows Defender scheduled task to scan your system periodically. For example, We have scheduled Windows Defender to run a malware scan once a week.

You must have administrative privileges to configure and run the Windows Defender scheduled task.
 

 

How to Schedule a Scan in Windows Defender

Step 1: Click on start button and type Task Scheduler.
 

 
Step 2: Click on Task Scheduler Library
 

 
Step 3: Click on Create Basic Task on the right drop-down list:
 

 

 
Step 4: Type a name, like “Windows Defender Scan”, and click on Next.
 

 
Step 5: Now select when you want to start the task.
 

 
Step 6: Here, set the date, time and day of the week to run the task.
 

 
 
Step 7: Select the radio option Start a program and click Next to continue.
 

 
Step 8: In this window, enter “%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe” in the Program/script field. Then enter one of the following arguments in the “Add arguments” field.

For malware analysis:

-Scan -ScanType 2

For a fast scan

-Scan -ScanType 1

 
Step 9: Now check the box Open the properties dialog for this task when I click finish and click the Finish button.
 

 

 
Step 10: In the properties window, select the radio option Run whether user is logged on or not and the box Run with highest privileges.
 

 
Step 11: Click on the Ok button to save the changes.

Since the task must be run with administrator privileges, you will be prompted to type the administrator username and password. Type the authentication details and click the Ok button.
 

 
That’s All!