Windows 10: Use Defender offline - this is how it works

The antivirus protection of Windows 10 has a useful OFfline mode. Use it for more security.


The Anniversary Update has the integrated security tool Windows Defender additionally equipped with an offline function. In this mode, the Defender is also able to cope with persistent Trojans and viruses, which is difficult to remove when the system is running (also from other virus scanners).


To use Windows Defender's offline feature, access the settings (click the gear icon in the Start menu or [Windows] + [i]) and select "Update and Security" from the home page. Then, click "Windows Defender" in the left pane of the dialog that appears. If necessary, scroll down the right area until you see the "Windows Defender Offline" section. Click the "Verify Offline" button to start the scan (this is done without any further queries, first close all open apps and programs).


It can take up to 15 minutes, but usually it does not take so long. Windows 10 is repeatedly restarted, first in a stripped-down mode in which the check and, if necessary, the removal of malware takes place. Both are automatic, so you do not have to worry about anything else. The results can then be displayed as usual in Windows Defender on the "History" tab (activate the three option fields one after the other, and then click on Show Details).?


You can also access the Windows Defender on the above-mentioned dialog page of the settings (the Open Windows Defender button can be found in the upper right corner of the window)