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Windows defender offline scan does not work in safe mode

Anonymous
2018-12-20T12:24:19+00:00

Recently began having reccuring freezing issues with my pc so tried to boot in safe mode to rule out any software issues and run offline windows defender scan in case of malware.

clicking ‘scan now’ once offline scan is selected opens a prompt saying ‘save your work... will takd some time/restart etc...’ then clicking “scan” does absolutely nothing except close the dialogue box. No scan starts, no restart.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. quietman7 MVP Alumni 19,735 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2018-12-20T20:48:19+00:00

    Windows Defender Offline lets you run a scan from outside the normal operating system (Windows kernel) so it can target malware that attempts to bypass the Windows shell....Follow these instructions.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-12-20T12:26:25+00:00

    Hi Oliver,

    Could be a sign of other malware on the system.

    Click Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features

    Look through the list for any entries for suspicious software installed

    Select it then click uninstall

    Reset all your web browsers to their original factors state

    In Microsoft Edge - Click Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Microsoft Edge

    Select it, click Advanced options > Reset

    Reset Chrome settings to default - Google Chrome Help

    https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/329621...

    Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings - Mozilla Support

    https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/refresh-fi...

    Use Malwarebytes to scan and clean the computer.

    https://www.malwarebytes.com/

    Also use ESET Sysrescue offline scanner to scan and clean the computer, see instructions in the following article:

    https://www.groovypost.com/howto/clean-virus-in...

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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