How to enable network file scanning with Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10
Microsoft Defender Antivirus includes an option to scan network files, and in this guide, we’ll show you the steps to enable the feature.
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On Windows 10, Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes built into the Windows Security experience, and it offers real-time protection from viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware and hacker attacks.
In addition to scanning local files, the security feature also allows you to enable an option to scan network files. The option used to be enabled out of the box onWindows 10, but it’s no longer the case with the latest version of the antivirus.
Usually, it’s not recommended to enable this feature. However, there are still some situations when you may need to use it, for instance, when the antivirus isn’t able to scan certain files, or you receive a specific error that will only be resolved by enabling scan for network files.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to enable scan network files on Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Related: Best Antivirus Software 2020
How to enable Microsoft Defender scan network files with Group Policy
If you’re running Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise), the easiest way to enable scan network files is using the Local Group Policy Editor.
To scan network files with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, use these steps:
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Once you complete the steps, network files will be scanned during automatic and manual scans.
If you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions, but onstep No. 5, make sure to select theNot configuredoption.
How to enable Microsoft Defender scan network files with PowerShell
To allow Microsoft Defender to network files with PowerShell, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will be able to scan network files. You can checkthis guideto learn more about the different ways to manage the antivirus using PowerShell commands.
How to enable Microsoft Defender scan network files with Registry
Alternatively, it’s also possible to enable network file scan option using the Registry.
To allow the Windows 10 default antivirus to scan network files modifying the Registry, use these steps:
Warning:This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
Once you complete the steps, during the next scan, network files will be checked for malware.
In the case that you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions, but onstep No. 4, make sure to right-click the Scan key and select theDeleteoption.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
