How to schedule automatic scan in Windows 10

An important change made in Windows 8 was the coming of an integrated antivirus system known as Windows Defender. After many improvements with the arrival of Windows 10, some users have even begun to set aside some more traditional protection suites, leaving only what system already offers.

Despite its similarities to more traditional programs of this type, some Windows Defender settings, which should have been enabled, need to be reviewed manually, such as a periodic scan of Windows 10 to eliminate viruses and other threats. Here’s how to set up an automatic Windows Defender scan to keep your machine protected:

Important

The process to be seen below was performed in Windows 10 and the only requirement for it to be done is to be using some user with administrator privileges. Once this caveat has been made, the following is a step-by-step guide:

How to configure

The configuration shown below is a native feature of the system, if you do not have to make any changes to its registry or any other action that risks the system or the computer, it just is not in an easily accessible place for your users. Look:

1. Press the “Win + R” keys together to open the “Run” window and use the following command: gpedit.msc;
2. In the “Local Group Policy Editor” window, enter the following path: “Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> Windows Defender Antivirus> Scan;
3. Note that from the image below there is more than one option to schedule a Windows Defender scan. As an example, the “Specify the day of the week to run a scheduled scan” will be used. Double-click on it;
4. Check the “Enabled” option at the top of the window and, just below, select a day for the scan to be made;
5. Click “Apply” and “Ok.” Then, restart your computer.

As with traditional anti-virus, the machine may be slow when scanning is performed. For this reason, it is recommended that you opt for a day when the computer is less used for the process. Of course, as stated above, there is also the option of scheduling an hour for the scan to occur, leaving the process still at a more comfortable time.

If you need help, have doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below and we will try to help you as soon as possible!