Windows 10: Windows 11 Quick Scan Stalled

It's been sitting here for a few hours now.

:)

 

Windows Defender - Quick Scan

Windows defender no longer offers a quick scan option.

My options are:

• Scan
• Advanced Scan

• Full Scan
• Custom Scan
• Windows Defender Offline scan

Whichever option I check, the scan will need to run for hours to complete.

Is a quick scan available?

How do I restore this feature?

 

Quick Scan?

I firmly believe that this is an error. Add this to the 1809 bug list.
Try forcing another Quick Scan and post back.

Thanks. *Smile

 

Windows Defender Is Slow To Complete A 'Quick Scan'

Hello,

With the issue description, I understand that you have some query regarding Windows defender quick scan and its taking longer than usual. I will certainly answer your query.

The speed and ability to complete an anti-virus or anti-malware scan depends on a variety of factors.

a. The program itself and how its scanning engine is designed to scan: using a signature database vs heuristic scanning or a combination of both

b. Type of scan performed: Deep, Quick or Custom scanning.

c. A computer's hard drive size.

d. Disk size and used capacity (number of files that have to be scanned).

e. Whether external drives are included in the scan.

f. Competition for and utilization of system/CPU resources by the scanner.

g. Other running processes and programs in the background.

h. Whether the scanning engine stalls, hangs or freezes.

Generally there are three types of scans offered by most anti-virus and anti-malware programs:


• Quick Scan only checks the areas of your computer most likely to contain malware...the most prevalent and common places where malware typically hides. The length of time for performing a Quick scan will vary but it generally takes about 15-30
minutes so they can be performed daily.

• Full Scan is much more comprehensive since it scans the entire hard drive (all folders/files) which can number in the thousands. The length of time for performing a Full scan will also vary but because it is so comprehensive, this type of
scan can take several hours. Most Full Scans can be scheduled to run late at night when not using the computer so you can perform a weekly scan without having to monitor it.

• Custom Scan allows the user to select any files and folders on the hard drive to be scanned.

To speed up a scan, clean out temporary (junk) files first, temporarily disable any other real-time protection tools, close all open programs, perform a Quick Scan instead of a Full one and do not use the computer during the scan.

Method 1

First, I would suggest you to refer to the kb article mentioned below and refer to the section “Turn Windows Defender real-time protection on or off “ and check if it helps.

Stay protected with Windows Security - Microsoft Support

When you disable Antivirus:

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable
it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Method 2

I would suggest you to follow the steps to remove the temporary files.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Access System.

Step 3: Choose Storage and select This PC (or any hard drive).

Step 4: Click Temporary files and recycle bin in the options.

Step 5: Tap Delete temporary files and click Delete.

If issue persist feel free to write us back for any further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Regards