Yes, Windows Defender can scan external devices, such as memory sticks or flash drives. Windows Defender is the built-in security solution that is part of Windows operating system. It has antivirus protection and spyware detection capabilities and can detect a wide range of malicious software, from viruses to rootkits.
Windows Defender has been designed to protect Windows users from online threats and it is one of the most popular antivirus solutions on the market today. It provides real-time scanning for viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software. The software is regularly updated with the latest security definitions and can detect new threats as they emerge.
When you insert an external device, such as a USB flash drive, Windows typically scans it to check for malicious software. This process takes place automatically and you should always allow Windows to scan any external storage device before you use it.
If the Windows security scan identifies any type of threat, it blocks the file and prevents it from being used until the threat is removed. You can also manually launch a scan of external devices using Windows Defender. This can be done through the user interface, which can be accessed via the Control Panel or Windows Security app. Once opened, select “Scan Now” and then select the external device you would like to scan.
Windows Defender will then scan the external device for any malicious software it may contain. You can also choose to do a full scan of the external device, which will scan all folders, files, and drives associated with the device. This will usually take longer to complete than a basic scan, but it provides more comprehensive coverage and can help identify threats that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Once the scan has been completed, Windows Defender will list the threats detected on the device. You can then decide how to deal with them. Quarantining the file can prevent it from being used, while deleting it completely will ensure that your system is secure.
To ensure the overall security of your computer, you should regularly scan any external devices you use with Windows Defender. Doing so will help protect your system from malicious software and keep it running smoothly.