author: Bart Swiatek
Windows Defender May Skip Files When Scanning Due to Bug
Some Windows Defender users report a bug that causes some files to be skipped during the scan. For the time being, it's uncertain whether this is a real bug or a change in the way the application reports its actions.
IN A NUTSHELL:
- A bug has been detected that may cause some files to be skipped when running anti-virus scan in Windows Defender;
- It's not certain if the error is related to the antivirus software itself or the operating system;
- It can't be ruled out that only the way users are informed about the results of quick scan has changed.
There is information on the web about a serious error that affects the operation of the Windows Defender antivirus software. It causes the application to skip some files during scanning - exactly as if they were added to the exception list. The bug may have been introduced in one of March's security updates - or at least in the first half of March, as the first reports about it are dated in a thread on Microsoft's forum.
"I manually run Windows Update and run Windows Defender quick scan on a daily basis and full scans less frequently. I have never added ANY (than means zero, none, nada, etc.) exclusions to Windows Defender! This morning, for the first time, this message appeared in my notifications window when the scan finished: "Windows Defender skipped an item due to exclusions or network protection settings." I have seen that several others have experienced the same problem today. Before I waste a BUNCH of precious time fruitlessly 'jumping through hoops" to solve a problem that doesn't exist, like I did with / before the Sept. 19, 2019 update bug was acknowledged, I am wondering if this might be attributable to the latest definition update, as nothing else other than Microsoft updates has been downloaded or changed on my system recently????"
Users who have noticed the problem indicate that Windows notifies us that files have been skipped during the scan - the note appears in the action center (the side bar, which we open by clicking the icon next to the calendar). Interestingly, so far no one has been able to detect exactly what files are being skipped during scans.
The editors of Softpedia managed to confirm the problem. It is worth noting that the possible error does not seem to be related to Windows Defender itself, as it occurs regardless of the version of the app. Perhaps the reason is a vulnerability in Windows 10, but it cannot be ruled out that the whole thing is just a misunderstanding and only the way of informing the user about the operation of Windows Defender has changed. The error seems to appear only in the so-called quick scan, which by nature omits certain files.
"Win10 Pro, version 1909. I ran a "Quick scan" and got the notification [about skipping files - editorial note]. I ran a "Full scan" and then I did not get it. It seems that if the program does not scan all the files, you will be notified. There may have been a change in behavior, but the message is correct - some items are skipped during a quick scan!," one of the users notices.
Finally, it is worth noting that Microsoft has not yet taken an official position on this issue.