Disable the Limited Periodic Scanning in Microsoft Defender

Microsoft is making a strong effort to convince consumers that the Windows operating system is secure. One way that Microsoft has chosen to make this case to consumers is by encouraging consumers to enable Microsoft Defender to perform a periodic scan. When enabled, this scan will run even when another third party security solution is enabled.

We do not recommend enabling Microsoft Defender's periodic scanning feature on a Windows 11/10 system having Norton protection. Periodic scanning is redundant and will require unnecessary additional power consumption and may result in conflicting notifications and messaging. In addition, periodic scanning can interfere with the protection features of your Norton product.

When your Norton product detects that Periodic scanning option is turned on in Microsoft Defender, it prompts you with a security alert. When you receive this alert, follow the below instructions to turn off periodic scanning.

Turn off periodic scanning

1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, and then click the Settings icon.

2. In the Settings window, click Update & Security/Privacy & Security.

3. Click Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Microsoft Defender Antivirus options.

4. Under Periodic Scanning, click on the selector to turn it Off.