Windows 10: Windows 10 Defender Scheduling grayed out , can't change scan time

I have been searching , and can't find a actual solution that works .... I want to change when Windows Defender actually scans , as it basically does it when it wants to , usually in the middle of the day when I am on the PC , so its annoying , so I want to schedule it to only scan at say 6am Sunday once a month , when I go to Task Scheduler and go to Defender Scheduled Scan , like a Microsoft topic said to do , which had pictures and I saw what was in the pictures , but everything for Defender is grayed out , so I can't adjust/change or do anything to it ....... How do I allow it to a

:)

 

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.

 

Win10 Defender Scheduling a full scan

The subject of scheduling Windows Defender scans in Windows 8/8.1/10 has been made extremely confusing by these two things:

• 
  A prolonged failure to publicize the fact that Automatic Maintenance is automatically performing a daily Windows Defender Quick Scan.
  
• 
  A seriously botched Windows 10 how-to on this topic.
  

If you have the time to time to read through this recent thread, you’ll hopefully gain some perspective on the situation. If you just want to know exactly how to schedule a Full Scan
in Windows Defender, you can skip down to the last paragraph:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_scanning/windows-defender-in-windows-10/6979df16-e16e-4ec1-9170-7081f54c22df

 

Scheduling Windows Defender scans

Hi Gary,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand your query related to Scheduling Windows Defender Scan using Task Scheduler.



Ideally, when you schedule a task using Task Scheduler it should run during the time. However, if the PC was not switched on at that particular interval then the scan might have taken place.



You can try enabling the History of tasks in Task Scheduler to check more information.

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open
   Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for Run.
   
2. In Run dialog box, type taskschd.mscand hit
   Enter.
   
3. Now right click on the Action tab
   
4. Select Enable All Tasks History
   

You may also want to try changing the settings of the task that you have scheduled.

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open
   Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for Run.
   
2. In Run dialog box, type taskschd.mscand hit
   Enter.
   
3. Double click on the task that you have scheduled
   
4. Under General tab, change the settings for
   when the task should run.
   
5. Now under Settings tab adjust the settings
   as per your compatibility.
   

For additional information, you can refer the articles below.

• Schedule a scan in Windows Defender Antivirus
  
• Windows Defender - How to schedule a scan?
  

In addition, you may also post your query on
TechNet forums, where we have expertise and support professionals who are well equipped with the knowledge to assist you with your query.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator