How To Use Windows Defender To Scan Files And Drives In Windows 8

From the Start screen type: defender and click the Windows Defender icon under the search results. Now select the Settings tab, Advanced and check Scan Removable Drives. Then make sure to click the Save Changes button. Now when Windows Defender performs a scheduled or manual scan, it will check USB Flash drives too.

1. How do I run a Windows Defender scan on Windows 8?
2. Does Windows Defender scan all drives?
3. How do I run a boot scan with Windows Defender?
4. Is Windows Defender on Windows 8.1 any good?
5. How do I add exceptions to Windows Defender in Windows 8?
6. How do I download Windows Defender on Windows 8?
7. How long does a Windows Defender full scan take?
8. Does Windows 10 Defender scan automatically?
9. Can Windows Defender detect malware?
10. Can I use Windows Defender as my only antivirus?
11. How do I turn Windows Defender on?

How do I run a Windows Defender scan on Windows 8?

Use Windows Defender in Windows 8.1

1. Select the Start icon, type Windows Defender, and then press Enter.
2. From Scan options, select Full.
3. Select Scan now.

Does Windows Defender scan all drives?

Windows Defender Antivirus doesn't scan removable drives during full scans by default, but there are ways to enable the functionality. ... However, if you thought a "full scan" meant that the antivirus would check every storage device connected to your computer, think again.

How do I run a boot scan with Windows Defender?

Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Defender. Scroll down and click the “Scan Offline” button under Windows Defender Offline. After you click this button, your computer will automatically reboot and begin scanning your PC for malware. The scan may take up to fifteen minutes.

Is Windows Defender on Windows 8.1 any good?

With very good defenses against malware, a low impact on system performance and a surprising number of accompanying extra features, Microsoft's built-in Windows Defender, aka Windows Defender Antivirus, has almost caught up with the best free antivirus programs by offering excellent automatic protection.

How do I add exceptions to Windows Defender in Windows 8?

Select “Excluded files and locations,” “Excluded file types” or “Excluded Processes” from the Settings tab of Windows Defender. Click or tap “Browse” and locate the items you want to exclude from scans. Click or tap OK to add them to the top box of the window and click or tap Add to move them to the bottom box.

How do I download Windows Defender on Windows 8?

How to enable the Windows Defender in Windows 8 and 8.1.

1. Press the Windows Logo + X key combination on the keyboard and, from the list, click Control Panel. ...
2. In the Control Panel window, click System and Security.
3. In the System and Security window, click Action Center.

How long does a Windows Defender full scan take?

The length of time for performing a Quick scan will vary but it generally takes about 15-30 minutes so they can be performed daily. Full Scan is much more comprehensive since it scans the entire hard drive (all folders/files) which can number in the thousands.

Does Windows 10 Defender scan automatically?

Like other antivirus apps, Windows Defender automatically runs in the background, scanning files when they're downloaded, transferred from external drives, and before you open them.

Can Windows Defender detect malware?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in malware scanner for Microsoft Windows 10. As part of the Windows Security suite, it will search for any files or programs on your computer that can cause harm to it. Defender looks for software threats like viruses and other malware across email, apps, the cloud, and the web.

Can I use Windows Defender as my only antivirus?

Using Windows Defender as a standalone antivirus, while much better than not using any antivirus at all, still leaves you vulnerable to ransomware, spyware, and advanced forms of malware that can leave you devastated in the event of an attack.

How do I turn Windows Defender on?

To enable Windows Defender

1. Click the windows logo. ...
2. Scroll down and click Windows Security to open the application.
3. On the Windows Security screen, check if any antivirus program has been installed and running in your computer. ...
4. Click on Virus & threat protection as shown.
5. Next, select Virus & threat protection icon.
6. Turn on for Real-time protection.