Problem With Microsoft Defender

I appear to have a problem with Microsoft Defender. It happened two days ago and I thought it was a one-off. It has happened again today. When I’m running it to check if something I’ve downloaded is OK it just freezes.

I have just downloaded an updated version of Calibre (the software that enables you to open .epub files). I attach an image of where Defender is up to. It has been frozen like this for ten minutes. I use two other programs to check downloads for malware, i.e. Malwarebytes Free and SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition. Both of these had no problems scanning the Calibre update nor when file Defender froze two days ago.

Please Note: The above programs are all up-to-date.

 

Which version of Windows do you have?

It sounds like it might be a problem with the Windows Update service, which can affect the performance of Defender.

One possible solution is to run the Windows Update troubleshooter, which can help you fix any issues with the update process:
How to Run Troubleshooters in Windows 11 - MajorGeeks
How to Run Windows 10 Troubleshooters Automatically - MajorGeeks
How to View Recommended Troubleshooting History in Windows 10 - MajorGeeks
How to Add Troubleshooters Desktop Context Menu in Windows 10 & 11 - MajorGeeks

 

You should check stuff you want to download before doing so, not after. Enter the url at Virus Total.

 

Windows 11

I'll be doing that in a few days. Snowed under with work at the moment. Thank you for the advice.

 

Eeks! If anything, I'm paranoid about security. I simply didn't know you could do this.

I'll be doing this from now on. Thanks for the heads-up!

 

virus total is better. And i normally disable windows defender due to issues.

FYI mark59 the windows defender runs in the backround just open task manager and see Anti-malware service Executable it will run around 1 to 10 % in the back round.And all so Real-time protection would automatically alert you.