Windows 11 Windows Defender Offline Scan Guide: Steps to Fix Common Errors and Issues

Windows Defender Offline Scan is a powerful tool designed to detect and remove malware that can be difficult to eliminate during regular Windows operation. It runs outside the normal Windows environment, allowing it to catch threats that hide deep within your system.

This guide will walk you through the process of using Windows Defender Offline Scan on Windows 11, as well as how to fix common errors you might encounter along the way.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure your computer stays secure and free from harmful software.

Let’s start with some quick notes before diving into the scanning process.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks Before Running Windows Defender Offline Scan

Save Your Work: The scan requires restarting your PC, so make sure to save any open documents or files before proceeding.
Battery Charge: If you are using a laptop, ensure it has at least 50% battery or is plugged into a power source to prevent shutdown during the scan.
Internet Connection: While the scan runs offline, having a stable internet connection is helpful for downloading the latest malware definitions beforehand.
Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 system is updated to avoid compatibility issues.

How to Run Windows Defender Offline Scan on Windows 11

Step 1: Open Windows Security

Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then, type Windows Security and press Enter. This will open the security dashboard where you can access various protection tools.

Step 2: Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection

Inside Windows Security, look for the Virus & threat protection tab on the left side menu. Click on it to open the virus scanning options.

Step 3: Select Scan Options

Scroll down until you see the Current threats section. Under that, click on Scan options. This will open a list of different scan types.

Step 4: Choose Windows Defender Offline Scan

From the list, select Windows Defender Offline scan. This scan will restart your PC and check for malware without interference from running processes.

Step 5: Start the Scan

Click Scan now. Your computer will warn you that it will restart. Make sure you have saved your work, then confirm to proceed. The system will reboot and begin scanning automatically.

Step 6: Wait for the Scan to Complete

The scan may take 15-30 minutes, depending on your system and the number of files. Your PC will automatically restart once the scan finishes. You can then log in and review the scan results in Windows Security.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Error: Windows Defender Offline Scan Option Not Available

If you don’t see the Windows Defender Offline scan option, try the following:

Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Sometimes the feature is missing due to outdated software.
Check Antivirus Conflicts: If you have third-party antivirus software installed, it might disable Windows Defender features. Consider temporarily disabling or uninstalling it.
Run SFC Scan: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow. This tool fixes corrupted system files that may cause features to malfunction.

Error: Scan Fails to Start or Freezes

Restart Your PC: Sometimes a simple restart clears temporary glitches.
Run in Safe Mode: Boot your PC into Safe Mode, then try running the offline scan again. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, reducing interference.
Check Disk Health: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run chkdsk /f /r to fix disk errors that may stop the scan.

Error: Windows Defender Offline Scan Keeps Restarting

This can happen if malware is actively preventing the scan.

Try a Bootable Antivirus USB: Download a trusted antivirus rescue disk on another PC, create a bootable USB, and scan your computer outside Windows.
Reset Windows Security: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find Windows Security, and reset it to default.

Alternative Methods to Scan for Malware

Using Microsoft Defender Offline from Command Prompt

If you prefer using the command line, you can initiate the offline scan with the following steps:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 2 and press Enter. This will trigger the offline scan immediately.

Using Third-Party Rescue Disks

Many antivirus companies offer free rescue disks that boot independently and scan your system. These can be useful if Windows Defender Offline Scan cannot fix your issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should I run Windows Defender Offline Scan?

A: It’s recommended to run the offline scan if you suspect malware that regular scans cannot remove or if Windows Defender detects suspicious behavior. Otherwise, running it every few months is sufficient.

Q: Does Windows Defender Offline Scan delete files?

A: It can quarantine or remove infected files, but it will never delete files without your permission. Always review scan results before taking action.

Q: Can I cancel the offline scan once it starts?

A: Once the scan begins after reboot, you cannot cancel it without forcing a shutdown, which is not recommended as it may corrupt files.

Q: Will Windows Defender Offline Scan remove viruses from USB drives?

A: Yes, the scan checks all connected storage devices, including USB drives, for malware.

Q: Is Windows Defender Offline Scan different from a normal virus scan?

A: Yes, it runs outside the Windows OS environment, allowing it to detect threats that hide from regular scans.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and still face issues, consider the following:

Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for more help.
Reinstall Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting or reinstalling Windows can remove persistent malware, but make sure to back up your data.
Professional Help: If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these steps, seek assistance from a trusted computer technician.

Conclusion

Windows Defender Offline Scan is a valuable tool to remove hard-to-detect malware on Windows 11. Running it correctly and understanding common errors can prevent many security issues. Always keep your system updated, save your work before running scans, and follow the troubleshooting steps if problems arise. If needed, alternative scanning methods and professional support are available to help keep your PC safe.