Windows 10: I am trying to stop Windows Defender from performing auto scans

Windows 10 Pro 64-bit v. 20H2 I want to stop Windows Defender from performing any automatic scans, while still leaving Real-Time Protection enabled. This was an option in Windows 7 but I cannot find out how to do it in Windows 10. After much searching, I still have not found a solution. Here is what I have already tried: - I went into the Task Scheduler, under Microsoft -> Windows -> Windows Defender. I disabled the setting called "Windows Defender Scheduled Scan." However this does not prevent automatic scanning. - I went into the Group Policy Editor, under Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Microsoft Defender Antivirus. However, under this folder there is no setting to disable automatic scanning. The only settings present are related to scheduled scans. - I tried installing a third-party antivirus program (ClamWin) because someone said that if there is a third-party AV installed, then in the Windows Defender settings an option to disable automatic scanning will appear. But this does not happen with ClamWin, and I am unwilling to install a third-party AV program that is not free and open source. - I also tried adding all of my hard drive root folders to the "Exclusions" in Windows Defender settings, but Defender ignores them and scans all the hard drives anyway. I would very much appreciate if anyone can help me stop these automatic scans.

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To stop Windows defender from auto scans

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To stop Windows defender from auto scans

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windows defender scanning stopped

Hi Mary,

As per the issue description you are unable to scan your computer using Windows Defender. While scanning your system you are getting an error message "Your PC couldn't be scanned. This program's service has stopped. You can start the service manually or
restart you computer, which will start the service."

The issue could be if the service responsible for Windows defender either get corrupted or is stopped. Try the steps provided below and see if it helps you to fix the issue.

Method 1

I would suggest you to check if the services responsible for Windows Defender are running. If it is running make sure the status is Automatic. You may follow the steps provided below to check the services.

• Press Windows key + R to open run box.
• Type services.msc and hit enter.
• There should be 2 services: Windows Defender Service
  and Windows Defender Network14.
• Right click on each service and start the service if not running.

Method 2

If issue persists, try to refer the articles mentioned below and see if it helps you to fix the issue.

Updating your Microsoft antimalware and antispyware software

How to troubleshoot definition update issues for Windows Defender


Problems starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1/10

Help protect my computer with Windows Defender

Hope this would help. If issue still persists post back with current status of your computer and result of the proposed suggestion, we will be happy to assist you.

Regards,