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To run Microsoft Defender Offline, save your open work, then go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), and choose Scan now. Your PC restarts into the Windows Recovery Environment, runs the scan, and restarts again. Find the result in Windows Security > Protection history.

Run Microsoft Defender Offline scan

These steps apply to the standard Windows 10 and Windows 11 route documented by Microsoft. Labels may vary by Windows version or configuration.

  1. Save open work. The scan restarts your device, so save files before you begin.
  2. Open Windows Security and select Virus & threat protection.
  3. Under Current threats, select Scan options.
  4. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), then choose Scan now. Some Microsoft instructions use the older name “Windows Defender Offline scan.”
  5. Allow the PC to restart. Defender Offline loads in the Windows Recovery Environment and performs a quick scan without loading Windows. The PC restarts automatically when the scan finishes.
  6. After Windows starts, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history to review the result. Microsoft’s instructions describe the restart and where to find scan results.

When an Offline scan is useful

Use it when you suspect malware may be difficult to detect or remove while Windows is running. Microsoft specifically recommends trying the scan if the same malware keeps returning, since an infection may be hiding during normal Windows operation. Microsoft also lists suspected malware exposure and scanning without an internet connection as use cases. The scan uses the latest available definitions and runs after restart without loading Windows, making it harder for persistent malware to hide or defend itself.

An Offline scan is a focused troubleshooting scan, not proof that a device is clean. If symptoms or detections continue, follow Microsoft’s malware detection and removal guidance for further steps.

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How Offline scan differs from other scan options

Scan option What it checks or does
Quick scan A faster, basic check.
Full scan Checks every file and program.
Custom scan Checks selected files and folders.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) Restarts into the Windows Recovery Environment and runs a quick scan targeting threats that may hide while Windows is running.

Microsoft describes these scan choices in its Windows Security guidance. Offline scan is not a full scan; its distinguishing feature is that it runs in the recovery environment.

If Offline scan is missing or will not start

Microsoft’s standard instructions do not establish that the option is available on every managed or specially configured PC. Antivirus-provider configuration or organization policy may affect what Windows Security offers.

Rank #2
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
  • 256 GB SSD of storage.
  • Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
  • Check which Windows version is installed and confirm you are following the matching Windows Security route.
  • Check which antivirus provider is active; provider configuration can affect available options.
  • If the PC is managed by an organization, ask its IT administrator whether policy controls the scan option.

If the scan fails to start or the option remains unavailable, those details help identify the appropriate device-specific next step; the standard instructions do not specify a universal fix.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
$304.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
$249.99
Best Value
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
  • 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
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Rank #4
15.6 Inch Laptop Computer, N4020, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB eMMC,with Windows 11
  • EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
  • 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
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Rank #3

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