where did my option to scan files with Window's security/defender app go?

Question

where did my option to scan files with Window's security/defender app go?

gooby goober 0

Windows 11, no issues with it in the past, updated recently and now the option to scan specific files with Window's antivirus is just.. gone?
This is a problem because this was my only real antivirus, and now that I can't scan specific files, it's become a real inconvenience. I am aware I can do custom scans, but I have an unorganized download folder, so.. Doing a custom scan for the whole folder isn't really optimal. image_2026-03-14_025440896

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Any help would be appreciated, I'm not sure what changed overnight for this option to just disappear. I don't remember doing anything differently other than updating windows.

Catherine Kyalo 3,180 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2026-03-16T11:30:04.3966667+00:00

Hi gooby goober,

You can still scan individual files by right‑clicking the file, selecting Show more options, and then choosing Scan with Microsoft Defender.
gooby goober 0 Reputation points

2026-03-16T11:43:50.3066667+00:00

Hello Catherine!
Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, that isn't working for me. I've tried this and the option to scan with Microsoft defender just isn't there.

Your answer

Catherine Kyalo 3,180 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2026-03-16T11:30:04.3966667+00:00

Hi gooby goober,

You can still scan individual files by right‑clicking the file, selecting Show more options, and then choosing Scan with Microsoft Defender.
gooby goober 0 Reputation points

2026-03-16T11:43:50.3066667+00:00

Hello Catherine!
Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, that isn't working for me. I've tried this and the option to scan with Microsoft defender just isn't there.