Windows 10 - Defender Offline Scan not working

Hi Ole,

My Windows 10 machine is version 1703 (OS build 15063.540)

2017-08 Cumulative Update for 64bit KB4034674

I have not been involved with the problem that you describe. Is it possible that

there may be remnants of your old antivirus present? If you dare, you might

search your Registry. CAUTION: changes can be fatal!   Good Luck, Glen

Hi Cass,

The current question is; Exactly what should WDO look like during an offline

scan. Before Cumulative Update 2017-06 KB4022716 and 2017-07 KB4025342,

the "splash screen" would display, indicating that WDO was preparing to run,

and then the WDO GUI would display during the scan. No doubt, scan running.

I never paid any attention to how long the "splash screen" was on before, but

on my machine it runs for two minutes now. That doesn't seem long enough

for a scan. But it does seem more than enough to prepare!  

I am currently trying to get the answer. Please see the LINK

Regards,  Glen

To avoid confusion & duplication of effort, please post any/all further follow-up in replies to your own, new thread => https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/defender_offline-protect_scanning-windows_10/windows-defender-offline-does-not-start/65ee259b-92e4-4cd8-adab-7b625eabb837

Was this issue solved? I am having the same problem - additionally when in safe mode (including safe mode with networking) - windows defender has no options to run any scans

Hi Mav,

Aside from starting your PC in safe mode, have you also tried other steps provided in this thread?

Looking forward for your update.

The only thing that worked was to join the Windows Insider Program.  It sends out W10 updates/rebuilds.  And one of them fixed the issue.  So I suppose if I reinstalled W10, that might have worked. But doing so is a little intimidating and I didn't want to risk my existing content.  Wimp.