Windows 10: How do I run a Windows Defender scan?

I have followed every article and I keep reaching dead ends.

I am not able to run any files except for a few pre installed apps. I can still play music and watch videos. When I go into Windows Security and go into "Virus and Threat Protection" there are no settings / options, and when in Windows Security settings > manage providers it says Windows Defender is off. I click the drop down box and nothing appears. I have tried changing settings with Windows Powershell and tried running MpCmdRun.exe but a command box would just appear for a second then disappear. Nothing works.

I have a Lenovo Laptop with Windows 10 standard.

:)

 

Defender not Running Regular Scan


I've never understood the need some people feel to set up a scheduled task to run a Defender scan. For the past year the automatic maintenance has run Defender scans for me.

That is, until the Anniversary Upgrade - it broke something and Defender never ran another scan. It finally alerted me that a scan was long overdue. I followed the suggestion on another thread...
Windows Defender No Longer Performs AutoScan
...and the automatic maintenance scans are back to running regularly again.

 

How do I get Windows Defender to run a daily scan?

Hi Bill,

To run the Windows Defender automatically, we suggest that you follow the steps on this link:

Schedule a scan in Windows Defender.

Regards.

 

defender scans

Hi Ian,

Thanks for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

This issue might occur if you have set any task scheduler for Windows Defender.

I suggest you to delete the task for Windows defender and check if it helps.

Follow the below steps:

• 
  Search and open Schedule tasks.
  
• 
  In the left-hand menu, open the Task Scheduler Library, then select
  Microsoft >Windows >Windows Defender.
  
• 
  Double-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.
  
• 
  Select the Triggers panel, then select Delete.
  

Hope it helps, reply to us with the status of your issue. We will be happy to assist you.