Why does Windows Defender scan so often?

'Windows Defender scanned your device x times' where x can be up to 8 and possibly more.

The notification does not say anything about the scanning time interval but since I open the computer every day, that scanning time interval is a matter of a few days at the most.

How often is often enough?

I mean the scans don't bother anything but yes I'd agree on a notification thing pop up

It seems like "Maintenance" including scanning is automatic, with no OFF switch. I'm sure there is one, someplace, but I've not found it yet.
MS obviously designed it to be non-invasive. I just have my own 'Maintenance' set to happen at 2AM, when my PC is always OFF anyway.

You can easily 'turn off' the scans and set it to Never using group policy, the question is why would you?
But here it is: Using LGP - home version users can enable/install Local Policies-Do a search-
Computer configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan

1. Right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure, and then select Edit
2. Look for Specify the time of the day you want to run a scan, set it to Never
   

   Other options are available even a randomize option. Have fun!​

Well, no, I don't/won't prevent MS from doing any maintenance work, whatever it is.

But is it necessary to scan with every new virus definition (or so it seems) I consider myself a bit paranoid but not that paranoid.

The odds of someone getting this new virus is by far low but as long as your smart you will Be OK

Meaning us! On the Forum