Windows Defender runs a scan at regular intervals to ensure that your computer is secure. These scans typically run during idle periods when the computer is not being used, such as when it is left on overnight.
By default, Windows Defender runs a quick scan for any potential threats on your computer every day at 2am and a full system scan every Sunday at 2am. This ensures that any malicious programs, viruses and spyware are identified and dealt with promptly.
You can also manually trigger a scan by clicking on the Windows Defender icon in the taskbar, then clicking ‘Scan Now’. You can select from Quick Scan, Full Scan and Custom Scan. The Quick Scan will check for any recently added programs or files that might contain malicious software, while the Full Scan will check your entire system for threats. The Custom Scan gives you the option to specify particular files or folders to be scanned.
Windows Defender also runs automatic scans in response to certain events, such as when a USB drive is inserted into the computer. It will also scan any new downloads or program installations, so you can rest assured that your system is secure. Once the scan is complete, Windows Defender will alert you if it finds any potential threats and give you the options to clean up or quarantine them.
Finally, Windows Defender runs background scans to periodically check for any malware that may have gotten past the initial scan. This helps protect your system from any undetected threats and keeps it secure.