Home » How To » How to Set Up Windows Defender Periodic Scan in Windows 11

How to Set Up Windows Defender Periodic Scan in Windows 11

Windows Defender periodic scan adds an additional layer of security to your computer. This guide shows you how to enable periodic scans in Windows Defender on Windows 11.

While Windows 11 has its own built-in antivirus software, many of us, if not the majority, opt for third-party solutions for additional features, creature comforts, and added protection. Nevertheless, even with third-party antivirus software in place, enabling Windows Defender periodic scanning can offer an added level of security and may even find and remove threats missed by your primary antivirus software. For instance, I use Bitdefender as my primary antivirus software. However, I’ve enabled Windows Defender periodic scanning.

If you are wondering, enabling periodic scanning will not interfere with your third-party antivirus software and only scans your system for threats occasionally.

So, without further ado, use the steps below to set up Windows Defender periodic scanning on Windows 11.

How to enable Windows Defender periodic scanning

To enable periodic scanning in Windows 11, use the steps below:

  1. Press the Start key on your keyboard.
  2. Search and open “Windows Security.”
  3. Navigate to the “Virus & threat protection” page.
  4. Click/tap on the “Microsoft Defender Antivirus options” option.
  5. Turn on the “Periodic Scanning” option.

Let’s see these steps in detail:

You can set up periodic scanning using the Windows Security app in Windows 11. To start off, press the Start key on your keyboard to open the Start menu. After that, start typing “Windows Security” and click on the top/relevant result. This will open the Windows Security app where you can manage all the Windows Defender settings.

Windows Security app

Once the Windows Security app opens, go to the “Virus & threat protection” page. Here, click on the “Microsoft Defender Antivirus options” option to expand it.

After that, turn on the “Periodic Scanning” option in the expanded menu.

enable periodic scanning

That’s it. Periodic scanning is now enabled and Windows Defender will scan your computer occasionally even when using third-party antivirus software.

How to disable Windows Defender periodic scanning

To disable periodic scanning, follow the below steps:

  1. Open the Windows Security app.
  2. Go to the “Virus & threat protection” page.
  3. Scroll down and click on the “Microsoft Defender Antivirus options” option.
  4. Turn off the “Periodic Scanning” option.
  5. With that, Windows Defender periodic scanning is disabled.
disable periodic scanning

That’s all it is that simple to enable, disable, and set up periodic scanning in Windows 11.

Related Windows security how-to guides:

I hope this simple Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *