Periodic Scanning feature in Windows Defender
This new feature, Periodic Scanning improves system security by using Windows 10 built-in Windows Defender as an additional scanner if you have installed any third-party antivirus. This feature is offered only when you have installed a 3rd-party antivirus software and Windows Defender is disabled. With this feature of Periodic Scanning, one can configure Windows Defender to scan the system periodically even when other third-party antivirus software is installed and will provide additional Malware protection. So Microsoft is making malware detection and protection seamless and easier, even if the customer chooses to use a third-party antivirus. By default, Periodic Scanning is not enabled. When enabled, Windows 11/10 will use the built-in Windows Defender scanning engine to periodically scan the PC for threats and remediate them. These Periodic scans will make use of Automatic Maintenance thus ensuring the system chooses optimal times based on minimal impact on the user and PC performance. Customers can also schedule these scans. Periodic Scanning offers an additional line of defense to the existing antivirus program.
Enable Windows Defender Periodic Scanning
Periodic Scanning becomes available when you have installed and are running any third-party antivirus solution. It is not enabled by default. So if you are not using the built-in Windows Defender as your antivirus program on Windows 10, one can enable Periodic Scanning as follows:
When this feature is turned ON and when you are not using Windows Defender for real-time protection, the Windows Defender UI and History tab will show any additional threats that have been detected. Clicking on the notification will open Windows Defender where you can further review the threat that was found and the action that was automatically taken.
Clicking on the History tab will show you the history. In most cases, Windows Defender will also automatically take action on the threat.
If you are already using Windows Defender as your antivirus program on Windows 10, then you want to ensure that this feature is enabled. We hope you find the post useful.
