Windows Unplugged

Summary:   How to Run Windows Defender Offline

 

Comments:

• Windows 10 Version 1607 includes a new feature(tool) for malware removal – ‘Windows Defender Offline’
• Windows Defender Offline is integrated into Windows 10 Version 1607
• Windows Defender Offline performs the scan prior to Windows startup (i.e. Offline)
• Provides the ability to remove malware and viruses that may be difficult or not capable of being removed while Windows is running

 

How-To:

Note: Save all work and close all applications prior to proceeding to run Windows Defender Offline

• Steps to run Windows Defender Offline
  • Click on each in sequence
    • Start Button
    • Settings
    • Update and Security
    • Windows Defender (then scroll down to ‘Windows Defender Offline’)
    • Scan Offline

• After clicking ‘Scan Online’ the Windows Defender Offline process will provide an alert that Windows will shutdown in about a minute.  Once the timeout occurs, Windows will Restart
• After the required Restart, Windows Defender will briefly show a screen indicating the scan is about to begin
• Once the scan begins the Windows Defender Offline graphical interface will appear with a progress bar
• The scan typically takes about 15 minutes to complete
• Once complete, if no malware is found, the system/device will reboot
  • If malware(an infection) is found, Windows Defender Offline will provide the ability to remove the malware/infection.
    • (Note: Windows Defender Offline, like all other Antivirus/Antimalware scanning software that runs resident and non-resident may not be able to remove all forms of malware)

 

Revisions:

August 3, 2016: Initial Draft Date

October 8, 2016: Initial Publish Date

March 15, 2017:  Updated ‘Comments’ and  itemized  ‘How-To’ steps in bullet form