Windows Defender Scheduled Scan does not run

pwcrickman · 28 Jan 2016

On my Win 7 laptop, I have Windows Defender set to run a scheduled quick scan at 11 pm in the evening on a daily schedule. This scan never runs (even when the laptop is in use - the system idle option is not checked). When this scheduled scan is set up in Defender, is a Windows Task Scheduler task supposed to be created?

The Window Defender entry in Task Scheduler (under Microsoft not Microsoft / Windows in the Task Scheduler Library tree) does not have any tasks listed in the middle pane.

Defender is operating as expected otherwise - it performs both Quick and Full Scans manually.

UsernameIssues · 29 Jan 2016

Your system spec info lists Window Defender as your antivirus.
Window Defender is not an antivirus app in Windows 7.

As for your scheduled task issue, do you have history turned on? Maybe some info in there will help you figure out why it the task is not running. What happens if you manually ask the task to run?

MarkP15 · 29 Jan 2016

Could you also upload some screenshots of the History page and the Scan page, as well as any other relevant sections of Defender please?

pwcrickman · 30 Jan 2016

All manually initiated scans (Quick and Full) complete successfully. I have attached a screenshot of the History, Scan and Options tabs.

MarkP15 · 30 Jan 2016

Try disabling then re-enabling Defender in features in the control panel and see if that rectifies the issue.

Layback Bear · 30 Jan 2016

Windows 7 built in Defender will not protect your computer.
If you want a Microsoft product I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials.
It should disable Defender when it is installed.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

MarkP15 · 30 Jan 2016

Yes, and I could've just as easily suggested that and I probably would have done... but only after a solution is found or if it is impossible to solve. You're just clogging up the thread by posting

Layback Bear · 30 Jan 2016

What you call clogging up the thread is what I call giving advice.
One can follow my advice or not. It's their computer.

MarkP15 · 30 Jan 2016

My point is it is not needed at this point. You've caused problems on other threads and never really relate to the actual problem. Please stop doing that.

pwcrickman · 30 Jan 2016

I did not find a method to disable and re-enable Defender in Windows features under "Program and Features" in the Control Panel. I have tried turning if off and then back on within Defender, but the scheduled scans still do not run.