Microsoft Defender Antivirus is one of the most popular antivirus programs in the world, but it's not without its issues. One of the most common issues that users encounter is that the program fails to scan properly. If you're experiencing this problem, don't worry – you're not alone. In this article, we'll look at some of the reasons why Microsoft Defender Antivirus may not be scanning and what you can do to fix the problem.

Why Microsoft Defender Antivirus May Not Be Scanning

There are several reasons why Microsoft Defender Antivirus may not be scanning, including:

1. Outdated Definitions

One of the most common reasons why Microsoft Defender Antivirus may not be scanning is because the program's virus and spyware definitions are outdated. To fix this problem, you need to update the definitions. You can do this by opening the program and clicking on the "Update" button.

2. Real-time Protection Is Turned Off

Another reason why Microsoft Defender Antivirus may not be scanning is because real-time protection is turned off. Real-time protection is the feature that scans files and programs as they are accessed. To turn real-time protection back on, go to the program's settings and click on "Virus and threat protection." From there, you can toggle the switch to turn real-time protection on.

3. Conflicts with Other Antivirus Programs

If you have another antivirus program installed on your computer, it may be conflicting with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. To fix this problem, you need to uninstall the other antivirus program. Once it's removed, restart your computer and try scanning again.

4. Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can also cause Microsoft Defender Antivirus to fail to scan properly. To fix this problem, you need to run the System File Checker tool. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. The tool will scan your system files and repair any issues it finds.

How to Fix Microsoft Defender Antivirus Not Scanning

If you're experiencing issues with Microsoft Defender Antivirus not scanning, there are several things you can do to fix the problem:

1. Update Virus and Spyware Definitions

The first thing you should do is update the virus and spyware definitions. This will ensure that the program is up-to-date and has the latest protection against threats. To update the definitions, open the program and click on the "Update" button.

2. Turn Real-Time Protection Back On

If real-time protection is turned off, turn it back on. Real-time protection is the feature that scans files and programs as they are accessed. To turn real-time protection back on, go to the program's settings and click on "Virus and threat protection." From there, you can toggle the switch to turn real-time protection on.

3. Uninstall Other Antivirus Programs

If you have another antivirus program installed on your computer, uninstall it. Once it's removed, restart your computer and try scanning again. If you still experience issues, try running a scan in Safe Mode.

4. Run the System File Checker Tool

If you suspect that corrupted system files are causing the issue, run the System File Checker tool. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. The tool will scan your system files and repair any issues it finds.

Conclusion

If you're experiencing issues with Microsoft Defender Antivirus not scanning, there are several things you can do to fix the problem. Updating virus and spyware definitions, turning real-time protection back on, uninstalling other antivirus programs, and running the System File Checker tool are all steps you can take to resolve the issue. If you're still experiencing issues, contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Related video of Microsoft Defender Antivirus Not Scanning: What You Need to Know