Windows 10: Windows Defender Quick Scan Very Very Slow in Winows 10s

I have recently bought a laptop which is running Windows 10s. I have received an alert that I have to run a quick scan. I have tried to do so on several occasions but given up because it is so slow. As I am not allowed to download any other virus protection I can't use AVG etc which I have always used in the past on other computers. There are also no setting to adjust in Defender unlike the full version of Windows 10. Does anyone have any idea how to speed up the quick scan which is anything far from quick!!!! Many thanks.

:)

 

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?

 

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.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17464/windows-defender-help-protect-computer

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

 

Windows Defender quick scan fails to complete

When I try to employ a "Quick Scan" procedure in Defender, the scan progress indicator, coloured green, stops half way and does not complete.

The files scanned number continues the count as if it is doing a full scan.

My Windows 10 updates are correct as our the virus definitions etc.

Any suggestions on why the "quick" scan fails to complete?

Thanks

[Original title: Windows 10 Defender]