Microsoft Security Essentials requires no introduction. It’s probably one of the best, if not the best, free security software available for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 operating systems. Users who have tried to install Security Essentials on Windows 8 probably have noticed that one can’t install MSE in Windows 8.
It’s because Microsoft has introduced its popular Microsoft Security Essentials in the name of Windows Defender in Windows 8! Windows Defender in Windows 8 includes all features of Security Essentials to protect your PC against malicious software and also sports the familiar user interface. When users install third-party security solution such as Kaspersky Internet Security, Norton Internet Security or Avast, the Defender will back off quietly.
Users who have used Microsoft Security Essentials in XP, Vista, or Windows 7 and prefer MSE to other security solutions needn’t install MSE in Windows 8 again. The Windows Defender takes care of your system in real-time and attempts to remove malicious items, so your PC stays safe. But how to scan a single folder or drive using Windows Defender in Windows 8, as there is no scan option available in the context menu.
While Microsoft may integrate scan option in the final version of Windows 8, users who are using Windows Defender in Consumer Preview can follow the steps given below to scan a folder or drive for malicious items.
Step 1: Switch to the Start screen, type Windows Defender or just Defender and press enter key to launch Windows Defender.
Step 2: Under the Home tab, select Custom as Scan options and click Scan now button. This action will bring up a dialog where you can choose a drive or folder that you wish to scan. Select the drive or folder and click the OK button to begin the scan.
Unfortunately, there is no option available to scan only a single file. Let us know if you know any workarounds to add Windows Defender scan option to context menu in Windows 8.
