Windows 10: "Virus and Threat Scan" Option missing from Windows Defender

A week ago, I downloaded the Microsoft Office apps so I could get access to Excel and Word for my school work. After logging in today, I noticed that Windows prompted me to change my PIN and upon entry found that there was no option for me perform a security scan in Windows defender like I usually do. After signing in and out constantly to see if anything changed, I decided to reinstall Windows to check if that would fix the issue, which did solve it. However, in reinstalling the apps that were removed, I found that the "Virus and Threat Scan" option went missing again right after I installed Microsoft Office. My question is if I can somehow access and restore the ability to "Virus and Threat Scan" option in Windows Defender without reinstalling Windows?


My Software Specs:

OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home

Build: 10.0.18632 Build 18632


Picture of Windows Defender Settings missing "Virus and Threat Protection" Tab

:)

 

Virus scan options missing - quick scan only, advanced scan crashes

Title pretty much says it all - my Windows Defender "Virus & threat protection" window shows only the "scan now" button with no quick/full/custom options. See screenshot.





In addition, clicking "Run a new advanced scan" causes a brief wait-pointer before the window simply closes.

Is there a way to restore access to the scan options?

Many thanks,

Mark A.

 

Virus scan options missing - quick scan only, advanced scan crashes

The last version in which this screen was named 'Windows Defender Security Centre' was 1803. From 1809 on it was renamed 'Windows Security'.





Clicking 'Run a new advanced scan' should give you all the scan options.





Try running SFC /SCANNOW in a Command Prompt (Admin) to find and repair possible system corruption.

 

initiating a virus scan with windows defender on Windows 10

• Open Windows Defender Security Center.
• Click on Virus & threat protection.
• Click on Quick Scan or see Advanced Scan.

If you don't see the Windows Defender icon in the Notification Area of the Taskbar, add it.

Windows Defender Notification Area Icon - Hide or Show in Windows 10

Hide or Show Windows Security Notification Area Icon in Windows 10