You can schedule scans in Microsoft Defender using Task Scheduler. 2. Enable the built-in "Windows Defender Scheduled Scan" task in Task Scheduler Library and modify its triggers and scan type (1: Quick, 2: Full, 3: Custom) via Properties. 3. Alternatively, create a custom task with Program/script: MpCmdRun.exe, arguments: -Scan -ScanType 2, and start in: C:\Program Files\Windows Defender for full control over schedule and execution. 4. Ensure the task runs whether user is logged on or not and grant administrator rights when prompted. 5. Real-time protection remains active, scheduled scans add periodic checks, and definition updates occur automatically via Windows Update. Once configured, scans run automatically as scheduled.

You can't directly schedule scans in Windows Defender (now part of Microsoft Defender Antivirus) through a simple built-in interface, but you can set up scheduled scans using Task Scheduler, which is built into Windows. Here's how to do it:

? Use Task Scheduler to Set Up a Regular Scan

Microsoft Defender doesn’t have a "Schedule Scan" button in its main settings, but Windows includes a pre-made task for this — or you can create your own.

Option 1: Enable and Modify the Built-in Task

Windows already includes a scheduled task for Microsoft Defender, but it’s often disabled by default.

1. Press Win R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
2. In the left panel, navigate to:
   Task Scheduler Library → Microsoft → Windows → Windows Defender
3. Look for a task named:
   Windows Defender Scheduled Scan
4. Right-click it and select Enable (if it's disabled).
5. To customize when it runs:
   • Right-click the task again → Properties
   • Go to the Triggers tab → click Edit
   • Set your preferred schedule (e.g., weekly, daily, time of day)
   • Choose scan type:
     • Type 1: Quick scan
     • Type 2: Full scan
     • Type 3: Custom/Removable drive scan
   • Make sure "Enabled" is checked → Click OK

? You may need administrator rights to make these changes.

Option 2: Create a New Scheduled Task (More Control)

If you want more flexibility (e.g., scanning at a specific time or triggering on login), create a custom task.

1. In Task Scheduler, click Create Task (not "Basic Task" for more options).
2. Give it a name like Weekly Defender Scan.
3. Go to the Triggers tab → New → Set frequency (e.g., weekly, every Sunday at 2:00 AM).
4. Go to the Actions tab → New:
   • Program/script: MpCmdRun.exe
   • Add arguments: -Scan -ScanType 2
     (Use 1 for Quick, 2 for Full, 3 for Custom)
   • Start in: C:\Program Files\Windows Defender
5. In Conditions (optional):
   • Uncheck "Start the task only if the computer is on AC power" if on a desktop
   • Check "Wake the computer to run this task" if desired
6. Click OK → Confirm with admin credentials if prompted

? This method runs the scan silently in the background.

?? Notes and Tips

• Real-time protection is already on: Scheduling a scan adds an extra layer but doesn’t replace real-time monitoring.
• Best scan type?
  • Quick scan (Type 1): Fast, checks key areas — good for daily
  • Full scan (Type 2): Thorough, takes longer — best weekly
• User account: The task should run whether you're logged in or not (select "Run whether user is logged on or not" when creating the task).
• Updates: Defender updates definitions automatically via Windows Update, so no extra steps needed.

Basically, while Windows Defender doesn’t make scheduling obvious, Task Scheduler gives you full control. Once set up, your PC will automatically scan on schedule — no manual work needed.

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