Solved How to disable the periodic scanning in Windows Defender?


Equalness

Equalness

Member
Local time
5:11 PM
Posts
28
OS
Windows 11 Pro
Let me make this clear. I don't want to disable the whole functionality of Windows Defender. I ONLY want to disable the periodic scanning. The reason: It's too frequent that it's almost happening every day for some reason, and my mid-range PC (that's slowly crawling into being low-end) suffers because of this.

My Windows version:
1762450745886.webp
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
You would need to use a combination of group policy and task scheduler to fine-tune defender settings.
Open co-pilot and ask "how to control when windows defender scans in windows 11 pro" It will walk you through how to manage the tasks.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
Is it done here? I would rather not install Microsoft's AI, unless I absolutely have to

1762454055727.webp
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I've just tried Microsoft copilot, and all it's given me is a bunch of incorrect information. As while it can point me to the right direction (sometimes), the finer details of implementation are almost always wrong.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I'm reinstalling apps after doing a clean install of 25H2. I just now installed Bitdefender Total Security. Windows Security automatically disabled periodic scanning by Defender. To be clear about this periodic scanning can only be disabled if 3rd party AV software is installed.

defender periodic scanning.webp

There is a very good tutorial here at Elevenforum about disabling periodic scanning in Defender.

www.elevenforum.com

Enable or Disable Periodic Scanning in Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable Periodic Scanning in Microsoft Defender Antivirus when you have a 3rd party antivirus program installed in Windows 11. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is an antivirus software that is included in Windows 11 and can help protect your device from...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus ProArt Z790 Creator WiFi - Bios 3107
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 64gb 5600MT/s DDR5 Dual Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire NITRO+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Vapor-X 24GB
    Sound Card
    External DAC: Cambridge Audio DACMagic200M - Headphone Amp: Topping L50
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic MX950 Mini LED 55" TV 120hz
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160 120hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 2TB (OS)
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB (Files)
    Lexar NZ790 4TB
    LaCie d2 Professional 6TB external - USB 3.1
    Seagate Expansion 16TB external - USB 3.2
    Seagate One Touch 18TB external HD - USB 3.0
    PSU
    Corsair RM1200x Shift
    Case
    Corsair RGB Smart Case 5000x (white)
    Cooling
    Corsair iCue H150i Elite Capellix XT
    Keyboard
    Incase Ergonomic USB (Microsoft clone)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    Fibre 900/500 Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    AMD Radeon Software & Drivers 26.1.1
    Hasleo Backup Suite
    Dashlane password manager
    Kensington Verimark fingerprint reader
    Logitech Brio 4K webcam
    Orico 10-port powered USB 3.0 hub
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook X1605VA
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i9-13900H
    Motherboard
    Asus X1605VA bios 309
    Memory
    32GB DDR4-3200 Dual channel
    Graphics card(s)
    *Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics G7
    Sound Card
    Realtek | Intel SST Bluetooth & USB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    16.0-inch, WUXGA 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS-level Panel
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 60hz
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 3.0 SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Ergo Trackball
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    720p Webcam
    WiFi & USB to ethernet
Thanks, I've seen it already before making this thread. Sadly, it doesn't help me, as that option doesn't appear without having a third-party Antivirus, and I don't have that (and don't wish to have that, either).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
If it is indeed possible to turn off periodic scanning, I believe the setting would be one of those but I can not specifically say which one(ones)
With Windows 11 tightened security, it may no longer be possible as it was in 10.

Equalness said:
my mid-range PC (that's slowly crawling into being low-end) suffers because of this.
Click to expand...
You have not filled out your system specs fully in your forum profile. Exactly what are you calling mid-range and what is suffering? Gaming? I consider mine to be mid-range and I do not see any ill effects of Defender scans but I am not a gamer..
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
glasskuter said:
If it is indeed possible to turn off periodic scanning, I believe the setting would be one of those but I can not specifically say which one(ones)
With Windows 11 tightened security, it may no longer be possible as it was in 10.


You have not filled out your system specs fully in your forum profile. Exactly what are you calling mid-range and what is suffering? Gaming? I consider mine to be mid-range and I do not see any ill effects of Defender scans but I am not a gamer..
Click to expand...

I'm not trying to start a debate, was just after figuring out a way to disable this. I managed to find some settings that are supposedly responsible, and I disabled them, so probably it worked. We'll see.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus ProArt Z790 Creator WiFi - Bios 3107
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 64gb 5600MT/s DDR5 Dual Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire NITRO+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Vapor-X 24GB
    Sound Card
    External DAC: Cambridge Audio DACMagic200M - Headphone Amp: Topping L50
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic MX950 Mini LED 55" TV 120hz
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160 120hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 2TB (OS)
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB (Files)
    Lexar NZ790 4TB
    LaCie d2 Professional 6TB external - USB 3.1
    Seagate Expansion 16TB external - USB 3.2
    Seagate One Touch 18TB external HD - USB 3.0
    PSU
    Corsair RM1200x Shift
    Case
    Corsair RGB Smart Case 5000x (white)
    Cooling
    Corsair iCue H150i Elite Capellix XT
    Keyboard
    Incase Ergonomic USB (Microsoft clone)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    Fibre 900/500 Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    AMD Radeon Software & Drivers 26.1.1
    Hasleo Backup Suite
    Dashlane password manager
    Kensington Verimark fingerprint reader
    Logitech Brio 4K webcam
    Orico 10-port powered USB 3.0 hub
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook X1605VA
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i9-13900H
    Motherboard
    Asus X1605VA bios 309
    Memory
    32GB DDR4-3200 Dual channel
    Graphics card(s)
    *Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics G7
    Sound Card
    Realtek | Intel SST Bluetooth & USB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    16.0-inch, WUXGA 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS-level Panel
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 60hz
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 3.0 SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Ergo Trackball
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    720p Webcam
    WiFi & USB to ethernet

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Equalness said:
Is it done here? I would rather not install Microsoft's AI, unless I absolutely have to

View attachment 151822
Click to expand...

There is no way that I know of to adjust or limit automatic scans when MS Defender is the active protection. The Group Policy settings mostly apply to scheduled scans AFAIK. You could try configuring those and see if they solve your issue, but I'm doubtful. My sense is they are on top of, or in addition to, normal or automatic scans.

If the settings you mentioned in your post #9 work for you it might be helpful to others if you post the specifics.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.7840
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaPad L340
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-8145U
    Memory
    16GB
    Hard Drives
    500 GB M2 1 TB HDD
    Internet Speed
    400 MB
    Browser
    Chrome | Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender | Block unknown executables | Various ASR rules enabled | Smart App Control
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