Does Windows Defender have an offline scan option?

Yes, Windows Defender does have an offline scan option. The offline scan is known as the Windows Defender Offline Scan and is part of the Windows Defender security suite. Windows Defender can be used to detect, remove, and protect against malicious software such as viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other malware that can impact a computer system’s performance.

The Windows Defender Offline Scan is designed to allow for a thorough scan of a computer’s system files and processes before it is connected to the internet or any networks. This allows for the detection of malicious and suspicious files and activities which may have otherwise gone unnoticed. The Offline Scan is especially useful when dealing with computers that have limited or no access to the internet, such as workstations in a corporate network.

Using the Offline Scan feature of Windows Defender is fairly straightforward; all you need to do is insert a bootable media, such as a CD or USB drive, which contains the Windows Defender Offline Scan. During the boot process, Windows Defender will then begin its scan of the system, and if any malicious or suspicious files are found, the user will be prompted to take appropriate action. The scan usually takes approximately 15 minutes and can be paused at any time to allow for the removal of any malicious activities that were detected.

Overall, the Windows Defender Offline Scan is an excellent tool to add to any computer security arsenal. It allows for a thorough scan of the system’s data, even when the computer is not connected to the internet. And since the scan takes only around 15 minutes to complete, it is a quick and easy way to ensure that your computer is always secure.