Although Windows 11 comes with a robust antivirus to scan, detect, and remove malware from your device, many users prefer different solutions, such as Symantec’s Norton Antivirus, AVG, Avira, BitDefender, and McAfee. However, since no single program can guarantee one-hundred percent protection, Microsoft Defender Antivirus provides the periodic scanning feature to add a second line of defense. When you enable periodic scanning, Microsoft Defender will remain disabled, but it’ll periodically scan for threats that your current solution may not be able to detect. In this guide, you will learn the steps to enable periodic scanning on Windows 11.

Enable periodic scanning on Windows 11 Disable periodic scanning on Windows 11

Enable periodic scanning on Windows 11

To enable “periodic scanning” on Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the Windows 11 antivirus will use the “Automatic Maintenance” feature to make sure to run the scans at optimal times to minimize the impact on performance and battery life.

Disable periodic scanning on Windows 11

To disable Defender Antivirus periodic scanning on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will not scan your computer periodically for malware when a third-party solution is present on the device.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus periodic scanning only adds an extra layer of security to make Windows 11 more secure. It does not provide real-time protection when another antivirus solution is already installed on the device. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.