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Policy CSP - Defender

AllowArchiveScanning

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowArchiveScanning 

This policy setting allows you to configure scans for malicious software and unwanted software in archive files such as .ZIP or .CAB files.

  • If you enable or don't configure this setting, archive files will be scanned.

  • If you disable this setting, archive files won't be scanned. However, archives are always scanned during directed scans.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed. Turns off scanning on archived files.
1 (Default)Allowed. Scans the archive files.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_DisableArchiveScanning
Friendly NameScan archive files
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
Registry Value NameDisableArchiveScanning
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowBehaviorMonitoring

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowBehaviorMonitoring 

This policy setting allows you to configure behavior monitoring.

  • If you enable or don't configure this setting, behavior monitoring will be enabled.

  • If you disable this setting, behavior monitoring will be disabled.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed. Turns off behavior monitoring.
1 (Default)Allowed. Turns on real-time behavior monitoring.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameRealtimeProtection_DisableBehaviorMonitoring
Friendly NameTurn on behavior monitoring
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection
Registry Value NameDisableBehaviorMonitoring
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowCloudProtection

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowCloudProtection 

This policy setting allows you to join Microsoft MAPS. Microsoft MAPS is the online community that helps you choose how to respond to potential threats. The community also helps stop the spread of new malicious software infections.

You can choose to send basic or additional information about detected software. Additional information helps Microsoft create new security intelligence and help it to protect your computer. This information can include things like location of detected items on your computer if harmful software was removed. The information will be automatically collected and sent. In some instances, personal information might unintentionally be sent to Microsoft. However, Microsoft won't use this information to identify you or contact you.

Possible options are:

(0x0) Disabled (default) (0x1) Basic membership (0x2) Advanced membership.

Basic membership will send basic information to Microsoft about software that has been detected, including where the software came from, the actions that you apply or that are applied automatically, and whether the actions were successful.

Advanced membership, in addition to basic information, will send more information to Microsoft about malicious software, spyware, and potentially unwanted software, including the location of the software, file names, how the software operates, and how it has impacted your computer.

  • If you enable this setting, you'll join Microsoft MAPS with the membership specified.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, you won't join Microsoft MAPS.

In Windows 10, Basic membership is no longer available, so setting the value to 1 or 2 enrolls the device into Advanced membership.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed. Turns off the Microsoft Active Protection Service.
1 (Default)Allowed. Turns on the Microsoft Active Protection Service.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameSpynetReporting
Friendly NameJoin Microsoft MAPS
Element NameJoin Microsoft MAPS.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > MAPS
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Spynet
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowEmailScanning

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowEmailScanning 

This policy setting allows you to configure e-mail scanning. When e-mail scanning is enabled, the engine will parse the mailbox and mail files, according to their specific format, in order to analyze the mail bodies and attachments. Several e-mail formats are currently supported, for example: pst (Outlook), dbx, mbx, mime (Outlook Express), binhex (Mac). Email scanning isn't supported on modern email clients.

  • If you enable this setting, e-mail scanning will be enabled.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, e-mail scanning will be disabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Not allowed. Turns off email scanning.
1Allowed. Turns on email scanning.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_DisableEmailScanning
Friendly NameTurn on e-mail scanning
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
Registry Value NameDisableEmailScanning
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowFullScanOnMappedNetworkDrives

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowFullScanOnMappedNetworkDrives 

This policy setting allows you to configure scanning mapped network drives.

  • If you enable this setting, mapped network drives will be scanned.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, mapped network drives won't be scanned.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Not allowed. Disables scanning on mapped network drives.
1Allowed. Scans mapped network drives.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_DisableScanningMappedNetworkDrivesForFullScan
Friendly NameRun full scan on mapped network drives
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
Registry Value NameDisableScanningMappedNetworkDrivesForFullScan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowFullScanRemovableDriveScanning

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowFullScanRemovableDriveScanning 

This policy setting allows you to manage whether or not to scan for malicious software and unwanted software in the contents of removable drives, such as USB flash drives, when running a full scan.

  • If you enable this setting, removable drives will be scanned during any type of scan.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, removable drives won't be scanned during a full scan. Removable drives may still be scanned during quick scan and custom scan.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Not allowed. Turns off scanning on removable drives.
1Allowed. Scans removable drives.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_DisableRemovableDriveScanning
Friendly NameScan removable drives
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
Registry Value NameDisableRemovableDriveScanning
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowIntrusionPreventionSystem

Note

This policy is deprecated and may be removed in a future release.

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowIntrusionPreventionSystem 

Allows or disallows Windows Defender Intrusion Prevention functionality.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed.
1 (Default)Allowed.

AllowIOAVProtection

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowIOAVProtection 

This policy setting allows you to configure scanning for all downloaded files and attachments.

  • If you enable or don't configure this setting, scanning for all downloaded files and attachments will be enabled.

  • If you disable this setting, scanning for all downloaded files and attachments will be disabled.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed.
1 (Default)Allowed.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameRealtimeProtection_DisableIOAVProtection
Friendly NameScan all downloaded files and attachments
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection
Registry Value NameDisableIOAVProtection
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowOnAccessProtection

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowOnAccessProtection 

This policy setting allows you to configure monitoring for file and program activity.

  • If you enable or don't configure this setting, monitoring for file and program activity will be enabled.

  • If you disable this setting, monitoring for file and program activity will be disabled.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed.
1 (Default)Allowed.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameRealtimeProtection_DisableOnAccessProtection
Friendly NameMonitor file and program activity on your computer
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection
Registry Value NameDisableOnAccessProtection
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowRealtimeMonitoring

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowRealtimeMonitoring 

Allows or disallows Windows Defender Realtime Monitoring functionality.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed. Turns off the real-time monitoring service.
1 (Default)Allowed. Turns on and runs the real-time monitoring service.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameDisableRealtimeMonitoring
Friendly NameTurn off real-time protection
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection
Registry Value NameDisableRealtimeMonitoring
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowScanningNetworkFiles

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowScanningNetworkFiles 

This policy setting allows you to configure scheduled scans and on-demand (manually initiated) scans for files that are accessed over the network. It is recommended to enable this setting.

Note

Real-time protection (on-access) scanning is not impacted by this policy.

  • If you enable this setting or do not configure this setting, network files will be scanned.
  • If you disable this setting, network files will not be scanned.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed. Turns off scanning of network files.
1 (Default)Allowed. Scans network files.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_DisableScanningNetworkFiles
Friendly NameConfigure scanning of network files
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
Registry Value NameDisableScanningNetworkFiles
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AllowScriptScanning

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowScriptScanning 

Allows or disallows Windows Defender Script Scanning functionality.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed.
1 (Default)Allowed.

AllowUserUIAccess

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AllowUserUIAccess 

This policy setting allows you to configure whether or not to display AM UI to the users.

If you enable this setting AM UI won't be available to users.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Not allowed. Prevents users from accessing UI.
1 (Default)Allowed. Lets users access UI.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameUX_Configuration_UILockdown
Friendly NameEnable headless UI mode
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Client Interface
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\UX Configuration
Registry Value NameUILockdown
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AttackSurfaceReductionOnlyExclusions

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AttackSurfaceReductionOnlyExclusions 

Exclude files and paths from Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules.

Enabled:

Specify the folders or files and resources that should be excluded from ASR rules in the Options section.

Enter each rule on a new line as a name-value pair:

  • Name column: Enter a folder path or a fully qualified resource name. For example, "C:\Windows" will exclude all files in that directory. "C:\Windows\App.exe" will exclude only that specific file in that specific folder
  • Value column: Enter "0" for each item.

Disabled:

No exclusions will be applied to the ASR rules.

Not configured:

Same as Disabled.

You can configure ASR rules in the Configure Attack Surface Reduction rules GP setting.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExploitGuard_ASR_ASROnlyExclusions
Friendly NameExclude files and paths from Attack Surface Reduction Rules
Element NameExclusions from ASR rules.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard > Attack Surface Reduction
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\ASR
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AttackSurfaceReductionRules

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AttackSurfaceReductionRules 

Set the state for each Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rule.

After enabling this setting, you can set each rule to the following in the Options section:

  • Block: the rule will be applied
  • Audit Mode: if the rule would normally cause an event, then it will be recorded (although the rule won't actually be applied)
  • Off: the rule won't be applied
  • Not Configured: the rule is enabled with default values
  • Warn: the rule will be applied and the end-user will have the option to bypass the block.

Unless the ASR rule is disabled, a subsample of audit events are collected for ASR rules with the value of not configured.

Enabled:

Specify the state for each ASR rule under the Options section for this setting.

Enter each rule on a new line as a name-value pair:

  • Name column: Enter a valid ASR rule ID
  • Value column: Enter the status ID that relates to state you want to specify for the associated rule.

The following status IDs are permitted under the value column:

  • 1 (Block)
  • 0 (Off)
  • 2 (Audit)
  • 5 (Not Configured)
  • 6 (Warn)

Example:

xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx 0 xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx 1 xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx 2

Disabled:

No ASR rules will be configured.

Not configured:

Same as Disabled.

You can exclude folders or files in the "Exclude files and paths from Attack Surface Reduction Rules" GP setting.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExploitGuard_ASR_Rules
Friendly NameConfigure Attack Surface Reduction rules
Element NameSet the state for each ASR rule.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard > Attack Surface Reduction
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\ASR
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

AvgCPULoadFactor

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/AvgCPULoadFactor 

This policy setting allows you to configure the maximum percentage CPU utilization permitted during a scan. Valid values for this setting are a percentage represented by the integers 5 to 100. A value of 0 indicates that there should be no throttling of CPU utilization. The default value is 50.

  • If you enable this setting, CPU utilization won't exceed the percentage specified.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, CPU utilization won't exceed the default value.

Note

If you enable both of the following policies, then Windows ignores the value of AvgCPULoadFactor:

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesRange: [0-100]
Default Value50

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_AvgCPULoadFactor
Friendly NameSpecify the maximum percentage of CPU utilization during a scan
Element NameSpecify the maximum percentage of CPU utilization during a scan.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

CheckForSignaturesBeforeRunningScan

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1809 [10.0.17763] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/CheckForSignaturesBeforeRunningScan 

This policy setting allows you to manage whether a check for new virus and spyware security intelligence will occur before running a scan.

This setting applies to scheduled scans, but it has no effect on scans initiated manually from the user interface or to the ones started from the command line using "mpcmdrun -Scan".

  • If you enable this setting, a check for new security intelligence will occur before running a scan.

  • If you disable this setting or don't configure this setting, the scan will start using the existing security intelligence.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Disabled.
1Enabled.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameCheckForSignaturesBeforeRunningScan
Friendly NameCheck for the latest virus and spyware security intelligence before running a scheduled scan
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

CloudBlockLevel

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/CloudBlockLevel 

This policy setting determines how aggressive Microsoft Defender Antivirus will be in blocking and scanning suspicious files.

If this setting is on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will be more aggressive when identifying suspicious files to block and scan; otherwise, it will be less aggressive and therefore block and scan with less frequency.

For more information about specific values that are supported, see the Microsoft Defender Antivirus documentation site.

Note

This feature requires the "Join Microsoft MAPS" setting enabled in order to function.

Possible options are:

(0x0) Default Microsoft Defender Antivirus blocking level (0x1) Moderate Microsoft Defender Antivirus blocking level, delivers verdict only for high confidence detections (0x2) High blocking level - aggressively block unknowns while optimizing client performance (greater chance of false positives) (0x4) High+ blocking level - aggressively block unknowns and apply additional protection measures (may impact client performance) (0x6) Zero tolerance blocking level - block all unknown executables.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)NotConfigured.
2High.
4HighPlus.
6ZeroTolerance.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameMpEngine_MpCloudBlockLevel
Friendly NameSelect cloud protection level
Element NameSelect cloud blocking level.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > MpEngine
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\MpEngine
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

CloudExtendedTimeout

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/CloudExtendedTimeout 

This feature allows Microsoft Defender Antivirus to block a suspicious file for up to 60 seconds, and scan it in the cloud to make sure it's safe.

The typical cloud check timeout is 10 seconds. To enable the extended cloud check feature, specify the extended time in seconds, up to an additional 50 seconds.

For example, if the desired timeout is 60 seconds, specify 50 seconds in this setting, which will enable the extended cloud check feature, and will raise the total time to 60 seconds.

Note

This feature depends on three other MAPS settings - "Configure the 'Block at First Sight' feature; "Join Microsoft MAPS"; "Send file samples when further analysis is required" all need to be enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesRange: [0-50]
Default Value0

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameMpEngine_MpBafsExtendedTimeout
Friendly NameConfigure extended cloud check
Element NameSpecify the extended cloud check time in seconds.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > MpEngine
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\MpEngine
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ControlledFolderAccessAllowedApplications

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ControlledFolderAccessAllowedApplications 

Add additional applications that should be considered "trusted" by controlled folder access.

These applications are allowed to modify or delete files in controlled folder access folders.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically determines which applications should be trusted. You can configure this setting to add additional applications.

Enabled:

Specify additional allowed applications in the Options section.

Disabled:

No additional applications will be added to the trusted list.

Not configured:

Same as Disabled.

You can enable controlled folder access in the Configure controlled folder access GP setting.

Default system folders are automatically guarded, but you can add folders in the configure protected folders GP setting.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExploitGuard_ControlledFolderAccess_AllowedApplications
Friendly NameConfigure allowed applications
Element NameEnter the applications that should be trusted.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard > Controlled Folder Access
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\Controlled Folder Access
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ControlledFolderAccessProtectedFolders

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ControlledFolderAccessProtectedFolders 

Specify additional folders that should be guarded by the Controlled folder access feature.

Files in these folders can't be modified or deleted by untrusted applications.

Default system folders are automatically protected. You can configure this setting to add additional folders.

The list of default system folders that are protected is shown in Windows Security.

Enabled:

Specify additional folders that should be protected in the Options section.

Disabled:

No additional folders will be protected.

Not configured:

Same as Disabled.

You can enable controlled folder access in the Configure controlled folder access GP setting.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically determines which applications can be trusted. You can add additional trusted applications in the Configure allowed applications GP setting.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExploitGuard_ControlledFolderAccess_ProtectedFolders
Friendly NameConfigure protected folders
Element NameEnter the folders that should be guarded.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard > Controlled Folder Access
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\Controlled Folder Access
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

DaysToRetainCleanedMalware

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/DaysToRetainCleanedMalware 

This policy setting defines the number of days items should be kept in the Quarantine folder before being removed.

  • If you enable this setting, items will be removed from the Quarantine folder after the number of days specified.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, items will be kept in the quarantine folder indefinitely and won't be automatically removed.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesRange: [0-90]
Default Value0

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameQuarantine_PurgeItemsAfterDelay
Friendly NameConfigure removal of items from Quarantine folder
Element NameConfigure removal of items from Quarantine folder.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Quarantine
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Quarantine
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

DisableCatchupFullScan

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1809 [10.0.17763] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/DisableCatchupFullScan 

This policy setting allows you to configure catch-up scans for scheduled full scans. A catch-up scan is a scan that's initiated because a regularly scheduled scan was missed. Usually these scheduled scans are missed because the computer was turned off at the scheduled time.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, catch-up scans for scheduled full scans will be turned on. If a computer is offline for two consecutive scheduled scans, a catch-up scan is started the next time someone logs on to the computer. If there is no scheduled scan configured, there will be no catch-up scan run.

  • If you enable this setting, catch-up scans for scheduled full scans will be disabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Enabled.
1 (Default)Disabled.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_DisableCatchupFullScan
Friendly NameTurn on catch-up full scan
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

DisableCatchupQuickScan

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1809 [10.0.17763] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/DisableCatchupQuickScan 

This policy setting allows you to configure catch-up scans for scheduled quick scans. A catch-up scan is a scan that's initiated because a regularly scheduled scan was missed. Usually these scheduled scans are missed because the computer was turned off at the scheduled time.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, catch-up scans for scheduled quick scans will be turned on. If a computer is offline for two consecutive scheduled scans, a catch-up scan is started the next time someone logs on to the computer. If there is no scheduled scan configured, there will be no catch-up scan run.

  • If you enable this setting, catch-up scans for scheduled quick scans will be disabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Enabled.
1 (Default)Disabled.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_DisableCatchupQuickScan
Friendly NameTurn on catch-up quick scan
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

EnableControlledFolderAccess

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/EnableControlledFolderAccess 

Enable or disable controlled folder access for untrusted applications. You can choose to block, audit, or allow attempts by untrusted apps to:

  • Modify or delete files in protected folders, such as the Documents folder
  • Write to disk sectors.

You can also choose to only block or audit writes to disk sectors while still allowing the modification or deletion of files in protected folders.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically determines which applications can be trusted. You can add additional trusted applications in the Configure allowed applications GP setting.

Default system folders are automatically protected, but you can add folders in the Configure protected folders GP setting.

Block:

The following will be blocked:

  • Attempts by untrusted apps to modify or delete files in protected folders
  • Attempts by untrusted apps to write to disk sectors.

The Windows event log will record these blocks under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender > Operational > ID 1123.

Disabled:

The following won't be blocked and will be allowed to run:

  • Attempts by untrusted apps to modify or delete files in protected folders
  • Attempts by untrusted apps to write to disk sectors.

These attempts won't be recorded in the Windows event log.

Audit Mode:

The following won't be blocked and will be allowed to run:

  • Attempts by untrusted apps to modify or delete files in protected folders
  • Attempts by untrusted apps to write to disk sectors.

The Windows event log will record these attempts under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender > Operational > ID 1124.

Block disk modification only:

The following will be blocked:

  • Attempts by untrusted apps to write to disk sectors.

The Windows event log will record these attempts under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender > Operational > ID 1123.

The following won't be blocked and will be allowed to run:

  • Attempts by untrusted apps to modify or delete files in protected folders.

These attempts won't be recorded in the Windows event log.

Audit disk modification only:

The following won't be blocked and will be allowed to run:

  • Attempts by untrusted apps to write to disk sectors
  • Attempts by untrusted apps to modify or delete files in protected folders.

Only attempts to write to protected disk sectors will be recorded in the Windows event log (under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender > Operational > ID 1124).

Attempts to modify or delete files in protected folders won't be recorded.

Not configured:

Same as Disabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Disabled.
1Enabled.
2Audit Mode.
3Block disk modification only.
4Audit disk modification only.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExploitGuard_ControlledFolderAccess_EnableControlledFolderAccess
Friendly NameConfigure Controlled folder access
Element NameConfigure the guard my folders feature.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard > Controlled Folder Access
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\Controlled Folder Access
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

EnableLowCPUPriority

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1809 [10.0.17763] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/EnableLowCPUPriority 

This policy setting allows you to enable or disable low CPU priority for scheduled scans.

  • If you enable this setting, low CPU priority will be used during scheduled scans.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, not changes will be made to CPU priority for scheduled scans.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Disabled.
1Enabled.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_LowCpuPriority
Friendly NameConfigure low CPU priority for scheduled scans
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

EnableNetworkProtection

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1709 [10.0.16299] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/EnableNetworkProtection 

Enable or disable Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard network protection to prevent employees from using any application to access dangerous domains that may host phishing scams, exploit-hosting sites, and other malicious content on the Internet.

Enabled:

Specify the mode in the Options section:

-Block: Users and applications won't be able to access dangerous domains -Audit Mode: Users and applications can connect to dangerous domains, however if this feature would've blocked access if it were set to Block, then a record of the event will be in the event logs.

Disabled:

Users and applications won't be blocked from connecting to dangerous domains.

Not configured:

Same as Disabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Disabled.
1Enabled (block mode).
2Enabled (audit mode).

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExploitGuard_EnableNetworkProtection
Friendly NamePrevent users and apps from accessing dangerous websites
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard > Network Protection
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\Network Protection
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ExcludedExtensions

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ExcludedExtensions 

Allows an administrator to specify a list of file type extensions to ignore during a scan. Each file type in the list must be separated by a |. For example, lib|obj.

Note

To prevent unauthorized changes to exclusions, apply tamper protection. Tamper protection for exclusions only works when certain conditions are met.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExclusions_Extensions
Friendly NameExtension Exclusions
Element NameExtension Exclusions.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Exclusions
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Exclusions
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ExcludedPaths

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ExcludedPaths 

Allows an administrator to specify a list of directory paths to ignore during a scan. Each path in the list must be separated by a |. For example, C:\Example|C:\Example1.

Note

To prevent unauthorized changes to exclusions, apply tamper protection. Tamper protection for exclusions only works when certain conditions are met.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExclusions_Paths
Friendly NamePath Exclusions
Element NamePath Exclusions.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Exclusions
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Exclusions
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ExcludedProcesses

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ExcludedProcesses 

Allows an administrator to specify a list of files opened by processes to ignore during a scan.

Important

The process itself isn't excluded from the scan, but can be by using the Defender/ExcludedPaths policy to exclude its path. Each file type must be separated by a |. For example, C:\Example. exe|C:\Example1.exe.

Note

To prevent unauthorized changes to exclusions, apply tamper protection. Tamper protection for exclusions only works when certain conditions are met.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameExclusions_Processes
Friendly NameProcess Exclusions
Element NameProcess Exclusions.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Exclusions
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Exclusions
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

PUAProtection

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/PUAProtection 

Enable or disable detection for potentially unwanted applications. You can choose to block, audit, or allow when potentially unwanted software is being downloaded or attempts to install itself on your computer.

Enabled:

Specify the mode in the Options section:

-Block: Potentially unwanted software will be blocked.

-Audit Mode: Potentially unwanted software won't be blocked, however if this feature would've blocked access if it were set to Block, then a record of the event will be in the event logs.

Disabled:

Potentially unwanted software won't be blocked.

Not configured:

Same as Disabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)PUA Protection off. Windows Defender won't protect against potentially unwanted applications.
1PUA Protection on. Detected items are blocked. They will show in history along with other threats.
2Audit mode. Windows Defender will detect potentially unwanted applications, but take no action. You can review information about the applications Windows Defender would've taken action against by searching for events created by Windows Defender in the Event Viewer.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameRoot_PUAProtection
Friendly NameConfigure detection for potentially unwanted applications
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

RealTimeScanDirection

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/RealTimeScanDirection 

This policy setting allows you to configure monitoring for incoming and outgoing files, without having to turn off monitoring entirely. It's recommended for use on servers where there is a lot of incoming and outgoing file activity but for performance reasons need to have scanning disabled for a particular scan direction. The appropriate configuration should be evaluated based on the server role.

Note that this configuration is only honored for NTFS volumes. For any other file system type, full monitoring of file and program activity will be present on those volumes.

The options for this setting are mutually exclusive:

0 = Scan incoming and outgoing files (default) 1 = Scan incoming files only 2 = Scan outgoing files only.

Any other value, or if the value doesn't exist, resolves to the default (0).

  • If you enable this setting, the specified type of monitoring will be enabled.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, monitoring for incoming and outgoing files will be enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Monitor all files (bi-directional).
1Monitor incoming files.
2Monitor outgoing files.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameRealtimeProtection_RealtimeScanDirection
Friendly NameConfigure monitoring for incoming and outgoing file and program activity
Element NameConfigure monitoring for incoming and outgoing file and program activity.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ScanParameter

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ScanParameter 

This policy setting allows you to specify the scan type to use during a scheduled scan. Scan type options are:

1 = Quick Scan (default) 2 = Full Scan.

  • If you enable this setting, the scan type will be set to the specified value.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, the default scan type will be used.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
1 (Default)Quick scan.
2Full scan.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_ScanParameters
Friendly NameSpecify the scan type to use for a scheduled scan
Element NameSpecify the scan type to use for a scheduled scan.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ScheduleQuickScanTime

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ScheduleQuickScanTime 

This policy setting allows you to specify the time of day at which to perform a daily quick scan. The time value is represented as the number of minutes past midnight (00:00). For example, 120 (0x78) is equivalent to 02:00 AM. By default, this setting is set to disabled. The schedule is based on local time on the computer where the scan is executing.

  • If you enable this setting, a daily quick scan will run at the time of day specified.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, daily quick scan controlled by this config won't be run.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesRange: [0-1380]
Default Value120

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_ScheduleQuickScantime
Friendly NameSpecify the time for a daily quick scan
Element NameSpecify the time for a daily quick scan.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ScheduleScanDay

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ScheduleScanDay 

This policy setting allows you to specify the day of the week on which to perform a scheduled scan. The scan can also be configured to run every day or to never run at all.

This setting can be configured with the following ordinal number values:

(0x0) Every Day (0x1) Sunday (0x2) Monday (0x3) Tuesday (0x4) Wednesday (0x5) Thursday (0x6) Friday (0x7) Saturday (0x8) Never (default)

  • If you enable this setting, a scheduled scan will run at the frequency specified.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, a scheduled scan will run at a default frequency.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value0

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0 (Default)Every day.
1Sunday.
2Monday.
3Tuesday.
4Wednesday.
5Thursday.
6Friday.
7Saturday.
8No scheduled scan.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_ScheduleDay
Friendly NameSpecify the day of the week to run a scheduled scan
Element NameSpecify the day of the week to run a scheduled scan.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ScheduleScanTime

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ScheduleScanTime 

This policy setting allows you to specify the time of day at which to perform a scheduled scan. The time value is represented as the number of minutes past midnight (00:00). For example, 120 (0x78) is equivalent to 02:00 AM. By default, this setting is set to a time value of 2:00 AM. The schedule is based on local time on the computer where the scan is executing.

  • If you enable this setting, a scheduled scan will run at the time of day specified.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, a scheduled scan will run at a default time.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesRange: [0-1380]
Default Value120

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameScan_ScheduleTime
Friendly NameSpecify the time of day to run a scheduled scan
Element NameSpecify the time of day to run a scheduled scan.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Scan
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

SecurityIntelligenceLocation

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1903 [10.0.18362] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/SecurityIntelligenceLocation 

This policy setting allows you to define the security intelligence location for VDI-configured computers.

If you disable or don't configure this setting, security intelligence will be referred from the default local source.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameSignatureUpdate_SharedSignaturesLocation
Friendly NameDefine security intelligence location for VDI clients.
Element NameDefine file share for downloading security intelligence updates in virtual environments.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Security Intelligence Updates
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

SignatureUpdateFallbackOrder

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1809 [10.0.17763] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/SignatureUpdateFallbackOrder 

This policy setting allows you to define the order in which different security intelligence update sources should be contacted. The value of this setting should be entered as a pipe-separated string enumerating the security intelligence update sources in order. Possible values are: "InternalDefinitionUpdateServer", "MicrosoftUpdateServer", "MMPC", and "FileShares".

For Example: { InternalDefinitionUpdateServer | MicrosoftUpdateServer | MMPC }

  • If you enable this setting, security intelligence update sources will be contacted in the order specified. Once security intelligence updates have been successfully downloaded from one specified source, the remaining sources in the list won't be contacted.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, security intelligence update sources will be contacted in a default order.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameSignatureUpdate_FallbackOrder
Friendly NameDefine the order of sources for downloading security intelligence updates
Element NameDefine the order of sources for downloading security intelligence updates.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Security Intelligence Updates
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

SignatureUpdateFileSharesSources

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1809 [10.0.17763] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/SignatureUpdateFileSharesSources 

This policy setting allows you to configure UNC file share sources for downloading security intelligence updates. Sources will be contacted in the order specified. The value of this setting should be entered as a pipe-separated string enumerating the security intelligence update sources. For example: "{\\unc1 | \\unc2 }". The list is empty by default.

  • If you enable this setting, the specified sources will be contacted for security intelligence updates. Once security intelligence updates have been successfully downloaded from one specified source, the remaining sources in the list won't be contacted.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, the list will remain empty by default and no sources will be contacted.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesList (Delimiter: |)

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameSignatureUpdate_DefinitionUpdateFileSharesSources
Friendly NameDefine file shares for downloading security intelligence updates
Element NameDefine file shares for downloading security intelligence updates.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Security Intelligence Updates
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

SignatureUpdateInterval

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/SignatureUpdateInterval 

This policy setting allows you to specify an interval at which to check for security intelligence updates. The time value is represented as the number of hours between update checks. Valid values range from 1 (every hour) to 24 (once per day).

  • If you enable this setting, checks for security intelligence updates will occur at the interval specified.

  • If you disable or don't configure this setting, checks for security intelligence updates will occur at the default interval.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Allowed ValuesRange: [0-24]
Default Value8

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameSignatureUpdate_SignatureUpdateInterval
Friendly NameSpecify the interval to check for security intelligence updates
Element NameSpecify the interval to check for security intelligence updates.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Security Intelligence Updates
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

SubmitSamplesConsent

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1507 [10.0.10240] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/SubmitSamplesConsent 

This policy setting configures behavior of samples submission when opt-in for MAPS telemetry is set.

Possible options are:

(0x0) Always prompt (0x1) Send safe samples automatically (0x2) Never send (0x3) Send all samples automatically.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatint
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace
Default Value1

Allowed values:

ValueDescription
0Always prompt.
1 (Default)Send safe samples automatically.
2Never send.
3Send all samples automatically.

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameSubmitSamplesConsent
Friendly NameSend file samples when further analysis is required
Element NameSend file samples when further analysis is required.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > MAPS
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Spynet
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

ThreatSeverityDefaultAction

ScopeEditionsApplicable OS
✅ Device
❌ User
✅ Pro
✅ Enterprise
✅ Education
✅ IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC
✅ Windows 10, version 1607 [10.0.14393] and later
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Defender/ThreatSeverityDefaultAction 

This policy setting allows you to customize which automatic remediation action will be taken for each threat alert level. Threat alert levels should be added under the Options for this setting. Each entry must be listed as a name value pair. The name defines a threat alert level. The value contains the action ID for the remediation action that should be taken.

Valid threat alert levels are:

1 = Low 2 = Medium 4 = High 5 = Severe.

Valid remediation action values are:

2 = Quarantine 3 = Remove 6 = Ignore.

Note

Changes to this setting are not applied when tamper protection is enabled.

Description framework properties:

Property nameProperty value
Formatchr (string)
Access TypeAdd, Delete, Get, Replace

Group policy mapping:

NameValue
NameThreats_ThreatSeverityDefaultAction
Friendly NameSpecify threat alert levels at which default action should not be taken when detected
Element NameSpecify threat alert levels at which default action shouldn't be taken when detected.
LocationComputer Configuration
PathWindows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Threats
Registry Key NameSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Threats
ADMX File NameWindowsDefender.admx

Policy configuration service provider