How to make Windows Defender Antivirus scan external drives for malware

Although Windows Defender Antivirus runs automatically on your Windows 10 device, there are still times when you'll need to perform a full browse to brand sure that malware or malicious software is not impacting your device.

All the same, if you thought a "full browse" meant that the antivirus would bank check every storage device connected to your computer, think again. Equally it turns out, by default, Windows Defender Antivirus does not scan external drives during a full scan — only during quick and custom scans.

If you want to make sure that every storage device attached to your computer gets scanned for unwanted software and malware, it's possible simply it'south something that you need to configure manually.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to allow Windows Defender Antivirus to include removable drives as you perform a full malware browse on your device.

How to include removable drives during full browse using Group Policy
How to include removable drives during full scan using Registry

How to include removable drives during full scan using Grouping Policy

If yous're running Windows 10 Pro, y'all can speedily configure Windows Defender Antivirus to include removable drives during a full scan using the Grouping Policy Editor. Just follow these steps:

Use theWindows fundamental + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
Typegpedit.msc and clickOK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Browse the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender > Scan
On the right side, double-click the Scan removable drives policy.
Select the Enabled option.
Click Apply.
Click OK.

Once you consummate these steps, the Windows 10 antivirus will include not only external drives during quick and custom scans merely also during full virus scans.

This may be obvious, but call up that using this selection will have longer to complete the scan due to the fact that more information will take to be covered.

If you no longer demand to use this feature, you tin follow the same instructions, merely on step No. 5, make certain to select the Non Configured option.

How to include removable drives during total scan using Registry

If y'all're running Windows x Home, you won't have access to utilise Group Policy, but you can change the same settings using the Registry.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can crusade irreversible impairment to your installation if you don't exercise information technology correctly. We recommend making a full fill-in of your PC before proceeding. If you're ready, follow these steps:

Utilize theWindows key + R keyboard shortcut to open up theRun command.
Search forregedit, and clickOK to open the Registry.
Scan the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

Quick Tip: On the Windows 10 Creators Update and later, you can copy and paste the path into the new Registry's accost bar to apace bound to the primal destination.
Right-click on the Windows Defender (folder) key, select New, and click on Key.
Proper noun the key Browse and press Enter.
Right-click on the right side, selectNew, and click onDWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the key DisableRemovableDriveScanning and press Enter.
Double-click the newly created DWORD and make sure its value is 0.

After completing these steps, Windows Defender Antivirus will also scan removable drives you have connected to your computer.

If y'all want to revert the changes, only follow the same instructions, only on step No. 5, right-click the Scan (folder) cardinal and click Delete to remove the entries.

More than Windows x resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions most Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

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