How to make sure Defender is working correctly

EP 20 Reputation points
2025-09-15T21:17:37.61+00:00

Microsoft defender always says 'no current threats', and shows 'no recent actions' in the history, even when I run a full scan. I'm concerned it's not working right. I see on-line to guidance to run DISM and then system file checker. Is there an easier way to check if Defender is working correctly? Can those scans/fixes cause more problems?

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Microsoft Defender for Office 365
0 comments No comments

Answer accepted by question author
Dietmar Zilz 81 Reputation points
2025-09-15T23:38:06.18+00:00

Hi, this is the easiest test:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/validate-antimalware

Hope this helps,
Dietmar

Was this answer helpful?

2 people found this answer helpful.

0 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.