Without a doubt, Microsoft Defender Offline is a superb offline scanning utility that operates from a secure environment, without the need to start your OS. This tutorial explains how to run Microsoft Defender Offline in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7.
When should I refer to Microsoft Defender Offline?
Consider running Microsoft Defender Offline in times when:
- Windows Security (referred to as Windows Defender Security Center in earlier versions of Windows) locates rootkits or other exceptionally stubborn malware on your device and notifies you to run Microsoft Defender Offline. You might encounter an alert indicating that malware was detected on your workstation, or get an alarm in Windows Security mentioning that extra cleaning is needed.
- You assume your system might have a threat that’s concealed in it, however, your security program doesn’t identify anything. In this case, you can refer to a Microsoft Defender Offline scan via Windows Security preferences. This is how to make it possible:
- Go to Start, and then choose Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- In the Virus & threat protection area, implement one of the following measures:
- In an up-to-date version of Windows 10: Next to the Current threats, choose Scan options.
- In earlier versions of Windows: Next to the Threat history, click on Run a new advanced scan.
- Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and then click on Scan now.
Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Also pay attention to this guide: Hacked Facebook account. How do I Fix?.
You’ll be notified that you’re going to be logged out of Windows. Once this is done, your PC will reboot. Microsoft Defender Offline will be started and initiate a quick scan of your computer in the recovery environment. Once the scan is completed, (normally it lasts for about 15 minutes), your computer will automatically reboot.
- Before you start using Microsoft Defender, be sure you save any open files and shut down all and programs and applications.
- You normally require administrator privileges on the workstation on which you intend to execute Microsoft Defender.
- In case you experience a Stop alert on a blue screen in times you perform the offline scan, force a restart and attempt launching a Microsoft Defender Offline scan once again. In case the blue-screen message comes up again, get in touch with Microsoft Support.
Where can I locate scan results?
To examine the Microsoft Defender Offline scan results:
- Choose Start, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- In the Virus & threat protection window in Windows 10, in Current threats, choose Scan options, and then go to Protection history (In earlier versions of Windows it might indicate Threat history).
Another helpful resource to consider: How to Remove Viruses on Your Windows 10 PC.
