Set Windows Defender to Scan Core Operating System Files
By Stephen Bucaro
Windows Defender is the antivirus program that cones built-in to Windows versions 7 and 8. Some people claim it is
not an enterprise capable antivirus program, but it does a good job of protecting most users, and it comes bundled
with the OS for free.
Windows Defender cannot do a complete job of scanning malware on your PC because in the GUI (Graphical User Interface) mode,
some core operating system files are in use. However, you can set Windows Defender to perform an offline scan before it
loads these core operating system files. Offline mode also makes it easier to detect highly persistent malware like rootkits.

To run Windows Defender in offline mode, open Windows Defender and click on the gear icon to open its settings screen.
On settings screen, near bottom of right panel, under the title "Windows Defender Offline", click on the [Scan Offline] button.
Your PC will then restart with no GUI, perform an offline scan, and then boot back into GUI mode.
To see the results of the offline scan, open Windows Defender select the History tab, and click on the [View details] button.
More Windows Administration Information: • Has Malware Turned Off Your PC's User Account Control? • Encryption, Designed to Protect Data, is Internet Criminal's Best Tool • Computer Technician's Guide to Biometric Security Devices • Five Things You Can Do To Improve Your Company's Security • BIOS Security • Six Steps to Get and Keep Your Computer Running at Full Speed • What is Phishing and How to Safeguard Against It • Types of Malicious Software • Set Windows Defender to Scan Core Operating System Files • Top Eleven Tips for Safe Computing
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