Windows Defender scans should be run regularly as part of a comprehensive overall approach to maintaining computer security. The frequency with which Windows Defender scans should be run depends on several factors, including the type of computer, the number of software applications installed, and the degree of online activity in which the computer is engaged.
For home users, it is recommended that Windows Defender scans be run at least once a week. This includes quick scans, which take only a few minutes, as well as full scans that check the entirety of a computer’s data. If a computer is frequently used for activities such as web surfing or downloading content from the internet, scans should be run more frequently. For businesses and organizations, full system scans are typically run daily or weekly, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
In addition, it is important to ensure that Windows Defender is kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and malware definitions. This ensures that the scanning process is as effective as possible against emerging threats.
Finally, external security solutions such as antivirus programs or firewalls should also be employed as part of an overall security strategy. These external solutions help to protect computers from malicious threats that may not be caught by Windows Defender alone.