Learn how to configure Windows Defender to scan USB drives and protect your computer from malware and viruses. Stay safe online with these simple steps!
There are many threats that circulate on the Internet, hence there is little precaution to avoid being infected when we visit certain pages or perform certain downloads. But the truth is that one of the biggest threats for a long time is the pendrive or USB memory sticks that we connect to our computer and that without realizing it, can contain viruses and other types of malware. Using this type of device therefore requires that we have to take certain protection measures.
One of them is to carry out a complete analysis of the unit to make sure it is virus-free, but for this we will have to have a security tool that allows it. Luckily, in the case of Windows 10 we can use Windows Defender itself to analyze USB memory or pendrive as shown below without having to use third-party tools.
How to configure Windows Defender to scan USB drives
- Open Windows Defender by typing “Windows Defender” in the search bar and selecting the app from the search results.
- Click on “Virus & threat protection” from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the “Removable drives” section and toggle the switch to enable automatic scanning of USB drives.
- You can also customize the scan settings by clicking on “Advanced scan” and selecting the type of scan you want to perform on USB drives.
Frequently asked questions about scanning USB drives with Windows Defender
Can Windows Defender scan USB drives automatically?
Yes, you can configure Windows Defender to automatically scan USB drives for any potential threats. By enabling this feature, you can ensure that your system is protected against malware and viruses that may be present on external drives.
How often should I scan USB drives with Windows Defender?
It is recommended to scan your USB drives regularly to ensure that they are free from any malicious files. You can set up a schedule for Windows Defender to automatically scan USB drives at a specific time or interval to keep your system secure.
What should I do if Windows Defender detects a threat on a USB drive?
If Windows Defender detects a threat on a USB drive, it will prompt you to take action to remove the malicious file. You can follow the on-screen instructions to quarantine or remove the threat from your system to prevent any further damage..
What parts does a USB stick consist of?
USB memories have 5 very different parts. The internal part of these products is something that is not always known, but it is essential for a type of program such as Windows Defender or any other to do its job on this type of device.
- Standard connection : it is the part that we all see, that is, the USB connector, which we use to connect to our computer. It is rectangular, metallic and with an opening, necessary for good communication.
- Storage controller : it is the part that orders the USB to save or transmit the files. It has a volatile RAM, that is, when we disconnect the pendrive, it disappears and a ROM memory, so that the files are not lost.
- NAND flash memory : it is the place where the files are kept to be available at all times and that we can use them when it suits us best.
- Oscillator : this is a fundamental piece, since it is the one that manages all the internal operation of the pendrive.
- Cover: it is the area where we take the USB without damaging all its internal components.
Have Windows Defender scan USB drives
When we refer to USB sticks, we also mean other external storage devices such as external hard drives, therefore, this will allow us to analyze any of these devices with Windows Defender.
In the case that we have Windows 10 Home on our computer, what we will have to do is a change in the system registry. Therefore, if we have not created a restore point, we will have to create at least a backup of the registry itself.
Once this is done, these are the steps to follow to make Windows Defender analyze or scan the external storage devices connected to our computer for viruses or malware:
- We open a Run window, Win + R.
- We write regedit and press Enter or OK.
- We navigate to the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender
- We create a new registry key under Windows Defender with the name Scan.
- Inside this new key we create a new 32-bit DWORD value with the name DisableRemovableDriveScanning .
- We set its value to 0.
- We accept the changes and exit the Windows 10 registry.
From this moment on, we will be able to add our USB memory, pendrive or external disks to the Windows Defender analysis process.
From group policies
Those users who have the Pro or Enterprise edition of Windows 10 can configure Windows Defender to scan USB memory sticks, pen drives or external hard drives for viruses from the editor of the usage policies by following the steps shown below:
- We open a Run window, Win + R.
- We write gpedit.msc and press Enter or OK.
- We deploy the Equipment Configuration option .
- Next we enter Administrative Templates.
- Then we select Windows Components.
- We enter Windows Defender Antivirus.
- And finally in Detection .
- Once there, we look for the policy with the name Examine removable drives.
- We double click on it or with the right mouse button.
- Activate the checkbox Enabled or Enabled .
- Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
Now we will have Windows Defender configured to include external storage units in its analysis and we can detect any threats or viruses stored in them.
From the command prompt
For those who prefer it, regardless of their edition of Microsoft’s operating system, it is also possible to instruct Windows Defender to scan external storage devices connected to the computer to detect any type of virus or threats before we can be infected. For it:
- We open a Run window, Win + R.
- We write CMD and press Enter or OK.
- In front of the command line we write Set-MpPreference -DisableRemovableDriveScanning 0 and press Enter.
- This will activate the Windows Defender feature to scan external storage devices connected to the computer.
Conclusion
With cyber threats on the rise, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect your system. By configuring Windows Defender to scan USB drives, you can ensure that your computer is safe from potential malware and viruses that may be lurking on external drives. Remember to scan your USB drives regularly and stay vigilant against any potential security risks