Windows 10: Windows Defender - how to stop it scanning individual files on my laptop

Is this something that can be done? Whilst I need security on my machine, I do not need Windows Defender to scan every single file before I open it. This slows down my machine considerably. Is there a way around this?

:)

 

Windows 10 Defender scanning downloaded files

Running Win10 Home 64bit on a MSI Z270-A PRO motherboard, i7-6700, 16 GB ram.
This is a new build for me and I just installed Win10 Home and did all updates.

When I download programs with Defender running, do I have to manually scan the file before installing the program?

When I tried to manually scan a downloaded program using the following method, it doesn't show results of the scan:

• Rt click the file name.
• In the pop up menu, click "Scan with Windows Defender"
• A window pops up showing "Full Scan", "Custom Scan" and "Windows defender offline scan", but no results of the individual file scan.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

Get Windows Defender to scan 1 file

Just started using Windows Defender.
What I need to do is scan 1 file just after downloading it.
When I right click on the file there is an option to "Scan with Windows Defender...", but clicking that brings up a window with choices to do a Full System Scan, a Custom Scan, or an Offline Scan . Using custom scan and drilling down I realize I can only scan the entire folder - it doesn't list individual files. Ignoring the clunky-ness, I still can't do what I want: scan the one file.

Is there a setting in Defender that will allow this?
(I swear it scanned a single file yesterday. But today I get this)

 

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,