FILE: C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US\WindowsDefender.adml

enter display name here
enter description here

Windows Defender Antivirus
Endpoint Protection
Exclusions
Device Control
Windows Defender Exploit Guard
Attack Surface Reduction
Controlled Folder Access
Network Protection
Network Inspection System
Exclusions
Quarantine
Real-time Protection
Remediation
Reporting
Scan
Signature Updates
MAPS
Threats
Client Interface
MpEngine
Allow antimalware service to startup with normal priority
This policy setting controls the load priority for the antimalware service. Increasing the load priority will allow for faster service startup, but may impact performance.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, the antimalware service will load as a normal priority task.

If you disable this setting, the antimalware service will load as a low priority task.

Control whether or not exclusions are visible to Local Admins.

This policy setting controls whether or not exclusions are visible to Local Admins. For end users (that are not Local Admins) exclusions are not visible, whether or not this setting is enabled.
Disabled(Default):
If you disable or do not configure this setting, Local Admins will be able to see exclusions in the Windows Security App or via PowerShell.

Enabled:
If you enable this setting, Local Admins will no longer be able to see the exclusion list in Windows Security App or via PowerShell.
Note: Applying this setting will not remove exclusions, it will only prevent them from being visible to Local Admins. This is reflected in Get-MpPreference.
Turn off Auto Exclusions

Allows an administrator to specify if Automatic Exclusions feature for Server SKUs should be turned off.

Disabled (Default):
Windows defender will exclude pre-defined list of paths from the scan to improve performance.

Enabled:
Windows defender will not exclude pre-defined list of paths from scans. This can impact machine performance in some scenarios.

Not configured:
Same as Disabled.

Turn off Endpoint Protection
This policy setting turns off Endpoint Protection.

If you enable this policy setting, Endpoint Protection does not run, and computers are not scanned for malware or other potentially unwanted software.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, by default Endpoint Protection runs and computers are scanned for malware and other potentially unwanted software.

Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus
This policy setting turns off Windows Defender Antivirus.

If you enable this policy setting, Windows Defender Antivirus does not run, and computers are not scanned for malware or other potentially unwanted software.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, by default Windows Defender Antivirus runs and computers are scanned for malware and other potentially unwanted software.
Configure local administrator merge behavior for lists
This policy setting controls whether or not complex list settings configured by a local administrator are merged with Group Policy settings. This setting applies to lists such as threats and Exclusions.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, unique items defined in Group Policy and in preference settings configured by the local administrator will be merged into the resulting effective policy. In the case of conflicts, Group policy Settings will override preference settings.

If you disable this setting, only items defined by Group Policy will be used in the resulting effective policy. Group Policy settings will override preference settings configured by the local administrator.
Turn off routine remediation

This policy setting allows you to configure whether Windows Defender Antivirus automatically takes action on all detected threats. The action to be taken on a particular threat is determined by the combination of the policy-defined action, user-defined action, and the signature-defined action.

If you enable this policy setting, Windows Defender Antivirus does not automatically take action on the detected threats, but prompts users to choose from the actions available for each threat.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Windows Defender Antivirus automatically takes action on all detected threats after a nonconfigurable delay of approximately five seconds.

This policy setting allows you to configure whether Endpoint Protection automatically takes action on all detected threats. The action to be taken on a particular threat is determined by the combination of the policy-defined action, user-defined action, and the signature-defined action.

If you enable this policy setting, Endpoint Protection does not automatically take action on the detected threats, but prompts users to choose from the actions available for each threat.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Endpoint Protection automatically takes action on all detected threats after a nonconfigurable delay of approximately five seconds.

Define addresses to bypass proxy server
This policy, if defined, will prevent antimalware from using the configured proxy server when communicating with the specified IP addresses. The address value should be entered as a valid URL.

If you enable this setting, the proxy server will be bypassed for the specified addresses.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, the proxy server will not be bypassed for the specified addresses.
Define proxy auto-config (.pac) for connecting to the network
This policy setting defines the URL of a proxy .pac file that should be used when the client attempts to connect the network for definition updates and MAPS reporting. If the proxy auto-config fails or if there is no proxy auto-config specified, the client will fall back to the alternative options (in order):
1. Proxy server (if specified)
2. Proxy .pac URL (if specified)
3. None
4. Internet Explorer proxy settings
5. Autodetect

If you enable this setting, the proxy setting will be set to use the specified proxy .pac according to the order specified above.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, the proxy will skip over this fallback step according to the order specified above.
Define proxy server for connecting to the network
This policy setting allows you to configure the named proxy that should be used when the client attempts to connect to the network for definition updates and MAPS reporting. If the named proxy fails or if there is no proxy specified, the client will fall back to the alternative options (in order):
1. Proxy server (if specified)
2. Proxy .pac URL (if specified)
3. None
4. Internet Explorer proxy settings
5. Autodetect

If you enable this setting, the proxy will be set to the specified URL according to the order specified above. The URL should be proceeded with either http:// or https://.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, the proxy will skip over this fallback step according to the order specified above.

Randomize scheduled task times
This policy setting allows you to enable or disable randomization of the scheduled scan start time and the scheduled definition update start time. This setting is used to distribute the resource impact of scanning. For example, it could be used in guest virtual machines sharing a host, to prevent multiple guest virtual machines from undertaking a disk-intensive operation at the same time.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, scheduled tasks will begin at a random time within an interval of 30 minutes before and after the specified start time.

If you disable this setting, scheduled tasks will begin at the specified start time.
Allow antimalware service to remain running always
This policy setting allows you to configure whether or not the antimalware service remains running when antivirus and antispyware definitions are disabled. It is recommended that this setting remain disabled.

If you enable this setting, the antimalware service will always remain running even if both antivirus and antispyware definitions are disabled.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, the antimalware service will be stopped when both antivirus and antispyware definitions are disabled. If the computer is restarted, the service will be started if it is set to Automatic startup. After the service has started, there will be a check to see if antivirus and antispyware definitions are enabled. If at least one is enabled, the service will remain running. If both are disabled, the service will be stopped.
Configure detection for potentially unwanted applications

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 will not be blocked, however if this feature would have blocked access if it were set to Block, then a record of the event will be in the event logs.

Disabled:
Potentially unwanted software will not be blocked.

Not configured:
Same as Disabled.

Extension Exclusions
This policy setting allows you specify a list of file types that should be excluded from scheduled, custom, and real-time scanning. File types should be added under the Options for this setting. Each entry must be listed as a name value pair, where the name should be a string representation of the file type extension (such as "obj" or "lib"). The value is not used and it is recommended that this be set to 0.
Path Exclusions
This policy setting allows you to disable scheduled and real-time scanning for files under the paths specified or for the fully qualified resources specified. Paths should be added under the Options for this setting. Each entry must be listed as a name value pair, where the name should be a string representation of a path or a fully qualified resource name. As an example, a path might be defined as: "c:\Windows" to exclude all files in this directory. A fully qualified resource name might be defined as: "C:\Windows\App.exe". The value is not used and it is recommended that this be set to 0.
Process Exclusions
This policy setting allows you to disable scheduled and real-time scanning for any file opened by any of the specified processes. The process itself will not be excluded. To exclude the process, use the Path exclusion. Processes should be added under the Options for this setting. Each entry must be listed as a name value pair, where the name should be a string representation of the path to the process image. Note that only executables can be excluded. For example, a process might be defined as: "c:\windows\app.exe". The value is not used and it is recommended that this be set to 0.
Turn on protocol recognition
This policy setting allows you to configure protocol recognition for network protection against exploits of known vulnerabilities.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, protocol recognition will be enabled.

If you disable this setting, protocol recognition will be disabled.
Turn on definition retirement
This policy setting allows you to configure definition retirement for network protection against exploits of known vulnerabilities. Definition retirement checks to see if a computer has the required security updates necessary to protect it against a particular vulnerability. If the system is not vulnerable to the exploit detected by a definition, then that definition is "retired". If all definitions for a given protocal are retired then that protocol is no longer parsed. Enabling this feature helps to improve performance. On a computer that is up-to-date with all the latest security updates, network protection will have no impact on network performance.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, definition retirement will be enabled.

If you disable this setting, definition retirement will be disabled.
Specify additional definition sets for network traffic inspection
This policy setting defines additional definition sets to enable for network traffic inspection. Definition set GUIDs should be added under the Options for this setting. Each entry must be listed as a name value pair, where the name should be a string representation of a definition set GUID. As an example, the definition set GUID to enable test definitions is defined as: “{b54b6ac9-a737-498e-9120-6616ad3bf590}”. The value is not used and it is recommended that this be set to 0.
Configure local setting override for the removal of items from Quarantine folder
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of the number of days items should be kept in the Quarantine folder before being removed. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure removal of items from Quarantine folder
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 do not configure this setting, items will be kept in the quarantine folder indefinitely and will not be automatically removed.
Turn on behavior monitoring
This policy setting allows you to configure behavior monitoring.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, behavior monitoring will be enabled.

If you disable this setting, behavior monitoring will be disabled.
Scan all downloaded files and attachments
This policy setting allows you to configure scanning for all downloaded files and attachments.

If you enable or do not 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.
Monitor file and program activity on your computer
This policy setting allows you to configure monitoring for file and program activity.

If you enable or do not 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.
Turn on raw volume write notifications
This policy setting controls whether raw volume write notifications are sent to behavior monitoring.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, raw write notifications will be enabled.

If you disable this setting, raw write notifications be disabled.
Turn off real-time protection
This policy setting turns off real-time protection prompts for known malware detection.

Windows Defender Antivirus alerts you when malware or potentially unwanted software attempts to install itself or to run on your computer.

If you enable this policy setting, Windows Defender Antivirus will not prompt users to take actions on malware detections.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Windows Defender Antivirus will prompt users to take actions on malware detections.

This policy setting turns off real-time protection prompts for known malware detection.

Endpoint Protection alerts you when malware or potentially unwanted software attempts to install itself or to run on your computer.

If you enable this policy setting, Endpoint Protection will not prompt users to take actions on malware detections.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Endpoint Protection will prompt users to take actions on malware detections.

Turn on process scanning whenever real-time protection is enabled
This policy setting allows you to configure process scanning when real-time protection is turned on. This helps to catch malware which could start when real-time protection is turned off.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, a process scan will be initiated when real-time protection is turned on.

If you disable this setting, a process scan will not be initiated when real-time protection is turned on.
Define the maximum size of downloaded files and attachments to be scanned
This policy setting defines the maximum size (in kilobytes) of downloaded files and attachments that will be scanned.

If you enable this setting, downloaded files and attachments smaller than the size specified will be scanned.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a default size will be applied.
Configure local setting override for turn on behavior monitoring
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of behavior monitoring. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override for monitoring file and program activity on your computer
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of monitoring for file and program activity on your computer. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override for scanning all downloaded files and attachments
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of scanning for all downloaded files and attachments. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override to turn on real-time protection
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration to turn on real-time protection. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override for monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure monitoring for incoming and outgoing file and program activity
This policy setting allows you to configure monitoring for incoming and outgoing files, without having to turn off monitoring entirely. It is 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 does not exist, resolves to the default (0).

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

If you disable or do not configure this setting, monitoring for incoming and outgoing files will be enabled.
bi-directional (full on-access)
scan only incoming (disable on-open)
scan only outgoing (disable on-close)
Configure local setting override for the time of day to run a scheduled full scan to complete remediation
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of the time to run a scheduled full scan to complete remediation. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Specify the day of the week to run a scheduled full scan to complete remediation
This policy setting allows you to specify the day of the week on which to perform a scheduled full scan in order to complete remediation. 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 full scan to complete remediation will run at the frequency specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a scheduled full scan to complete remediation will run at a default frequency.
Never
Every Day
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Specify the time of day to run a scheduled full scan to complete remediation
This policy setting allows you to specify the time of day at which to perform a scheduled full scan in order to complete remediation. The time value is represented as the number of minutes past midnight (00:00). For example, 120 (0x78) is equivalent to 02:00 AM. The schedule is based on local time on the computer where the scan is executing.

If you enable this setting, a scheduled full scan to complete remediation will run at the time of day specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a scheduled full scan to complete remediation will run at a default time.
Configure time out for detections requiring additional action
This policy setting configures the time in minutes before a detection in the "additional action" state moves to the "cleared" state.
Configure time out for detections in critically failed state
This policy setting configures the time in minutes before a detection in the “critically failed” state to moves to either the “additional action” state or the “cleared” state.
Configure Watson events
This policy setting allows you to configure whether or not Watson events are sent.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, Watson events will be sent.

If you disable this setting, Watson events will not be sent.
Configure time out for detections in non-critical failed state
This policy setting configures the time in minutes before a detection in the "non-critically failed" state moves to the "cleared" state.
Configure time out for detections in recently remediated state
This policy setting configures the time in minutes before a detection in the "completed" state moves to the "cleared" state.
Configure Windows software trace preprocessor components
This policy configures Windows software trace preprocessor (WPP Software Tracing) components.
Configure WPP tracing level
This policy allows you to configure tracing levels for Windows software trace preprocessor (WPP Software Tracing).
Tracing levels are defined as:
1 - Error
2 - Warning
3 - Info
4 - Debug
Turn off enhanced notifications

Use this policy setting to specify if you want Windows Defender Antivirus enhanced notifications to display on clients.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Windows Defender Antivirus enhanced notifications will display on clients.

If you enable this setting, Windows Defender Antivirus enhanced notifications will not display on clients.

Allow users to pause scan
This policy setting allows you to manage whether or not end users can pause a scan in progress.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, a new context menu will be added to the task tray icon to allow the user to pause a scan.

If you disable this setting, users will not be able to pause scans.
Specify the maximum depth to scan archive files
This policy setting allows you to configure the maximum directory depth level into which archive files such as .ZIP or .CAB are unpacked during scanning. The default directory depth level is 0.

If you enable this setting, archive files will be scanned to the directory depth level specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, archive files will be scanned to the default directory depth level.
Specify the maximum size of archive files to be scanned
This policy setting allows you to configure the maximum size of archive files such as .ZIP or .CAB that will be scanned. The value represents file size in kilobytes (KB). The default value is 0 and represents no limit to archive size for scanning.

If you enable this setting, archive files less than or equal to the size specified will be scanned.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, archive files will be scanned according to the default value.
Specify the maximum percentage of CPU utilization during a scan
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 will not exceed the percentage specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, CPU utilization will not exceed the default value.
Check for the latest virus and spyware definitions before running a scheduled scan
This policy setting allows you to manage whether a check for new virus and spyware definitions will occur before running a scan.

This setting applies to scheduled scans as well as the command line "mpcmdrun -SigUpdate", but it has no effect on scans initiated manually from the user interface.

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

If you disable this setting or do not configure this setting, the scan will start using the existing definitions.
Scan archive files
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 do not configure this setting, archive files will be scanned.

If you disable this setting, archive files will not be scanned.
Turn on catch-up full scan
This policy setting allows you to configure catch-up scans for scheduled full scans. A catch-up scan is a scan that is 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 enable 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 disable or do not configure this setting, catch-up scans for scheduled full scans will be turned off.
Turn on catch-up quick scan
This policy setting allows you to configure catch-up scans for scheduled quick scans. A catch-up scan is a scan that is 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 enable 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 disable or do not configure this setting, catch-up scans for scheduled quick scans will be turned off.
Turn on e-mail scanning
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).

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

If you disable or do not configure this setting, e-mail scanning will be disabled.
Turn on heuristics
This policy setting allows you to configure heuristics. Suspicious detections will be suppressed right before reporting to the engine client. Turning off heuristics will reduce the capability to flag new threats. It is recommended that you do not turn off heuristics.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, heuristics will be enabled.

If you disable this setting, heuristics will be disabled.
Scan packed executables
This policy setting allows you to configure scanning for packed executables. It is recommended that this type of scanning remain enabled.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, packed executables will be scanned.

If you disable this setting, packed executables will not be scanned.
Scan removable drives
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 do not configure this setting, removable drives will not be scanned during a full scan. Removable drives may still be scanned during quick scan and custom scan.
Turn on reparse point scanning
This policy setting allows you to configure reparse point scanning. If you allow reparse points to be scanned, there is a possible risk of recursion. However, the engine supports following reparse points to a maximum depth so at worst scanning could be slowed. Reparse point scanning is disabled by default and this is the recommended state for this functionality.

If you enable this setting, reparse point scanning will be enabled.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, reparse point scanning will be disabled.
Create a system restore point
This policy setting allows you to create a system restore point on the computer on a daily basis prior to cleaning.

If you enable this setting, a system restore point will be created.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a system restore point will not be created.
Run full scan on mapped network drives
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 do not configure this setting, mapped network drives will not be scanned.
Scan network files
This policy setting allows you to configure scanning for network files. It is recommended that you do not enable this setting.

If you enable this setting, network files will be scanned.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, network files will not be scanned.
Configure local setting override for maximum percentage of CPU utilization
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of maximum percentage of CPU utilization during scan. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override for the scan type to use for a scheduled scan
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of the scan type to use during a scheduled scan. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override for schedule scan day
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of scheduled scan day. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override for scheduled quick scan time
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of scheduled quick scan time. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Configure local setting override for scheduled scan time
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration of scheduled scan time. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Turn on removal of items from scan history folder
This policy setting defines the number of days items should be kept in the scan history folder before being permanently removed. The value represents the number of days to keep items in the folder. If set to zero, items will be kept forever and will not be automatically removed. By default, the value is set to 30 days.

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

If you disable or do not configure this setting, items will be kept in the scan history folder for the default number of days.
Specify the interval to run quick scans per day
This policy setting allows you to specify an interval at which to perform a quick scan. The time value is represented as the number of hours between quick scans. Valid values range from 1 (every hour) to 24 (once per day). If set to zero, interval quick scans will not occur. By default, this setting is set to 0.

If you enable this setting, a quick scan will run at the interval specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a quick scan will run at a default time.
Start the scheduled scan only when computer is on but not in use
This policy setting allows you to configure scheduled scans to start only when your computer is on but not in use.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, scheduled scans will only run when the computer is on but not in use.

If you disable this setting, scheduled scans will run at the scheduled time.
Specify the scan type to use for a scheduled scan
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 do not configure this setting, the default scan type will used.
Quick scan
Full system scan
Specify the day of the week to run a scheduled scan
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.

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

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a scheduled scan will run at a default frequency.
Never
Every Day
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Specify the time for a daily quick scan
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 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 daily quick scan will run at the time of day specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a daily quick scan will run at a default time.
Specify the time of day to run a scheduled scan
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 do not configure this setting, a scheduled scan will run at a default time.
Define the number of days after which a catch-up scan is forced

This policy setting allows you to define the number of consecutive scheduled scans that can be missed after which a catch-up scan will be forced. By default, the value of this setting is 2 consecutive scheduled scans.

If you enable this setting, a catch-up scan will occur after the specified number consecutive missed scheduled scans.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a catch-up scan will occur after the 2 consecutive missed scheduled scans.
Configure low CPU priority for scheduled scans

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 do not configure this setting, not changes will be made to CPU priority for scheduled scans.

Define the number of days before spyware definitions are considered out of date
This policy setting allows you to define the number of days that must pass before spyware definitions are considered out of date. If definitions are determined to be out of date, this state may trigger several additional actions, including falling back to an alternative update source or displaying a warning icon in the user interface. By default, this value is set to 14 days.

If you enable this setting, spyware definitions will be considered out of date after the number of days specified have passed without an update.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, spyware definitions will be considered out of date after the default number of days have passed without an update.
Define the number of days before virus definitions are considered out of date
This policy setting allows you to define the number of days that must pass before virus definitions are considered out of date. If definitions are determined to be out of date, this state may trigger several additional actions, including falling back to an alternative update source or displaying a warning icon in the user interface. By default, this value is set to 14 days.

If you enable this setting, virus definitions will be considered out of date after the number of days specified have passed without an update.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, virus definitions will be considered out of date after the default number of days have passed without an update.
Define file shares for downloading definition updates
This policy setting allows you to configure UNC file share sources for downloading definition updates. Sources will be contacted in the order specified. The value of this setting should be entered as a pipe-separated string enumerating the definition update sources. For example: "{\\unc1 | \\unc2 }". The list is empty by default.

If you enable this setting, the specified sources will be contacted for definition updates. Once definition updates have been successfully downloaded from one specified source, the remaining sources in the list will not be contacted.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, the list will remain empty by default and no sources will be contacted.
Turn on scan after signature update
This policy setting allows you to configure the automatic scan which starts after a definition update has occurred.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, a scan will start following a definition update.

If you disable this setting, a scan will not start following a definition update.
Allow definition updates when running on battery power
This policy setting allows you to configure definition updates when the computer is running on battery power.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, definition updates will occur as usual regardless of power state.

If you disable this setting, definition updates will be turned off while the computer is running on battery power.
Initiate definition update on startup
This policy setting allows you to configure definition updates on startup when there is no antimalware engine present.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, definition updates will be initiated on startup when there is no antimalware engine present.

If you disable this setting, definition updates will not be initiated on startup when there is no antimalware engine present.
Define the order of sources for downloading definition updates
This policy setting allows you to define the order in which different definition update sources should be contacted. The value of this setting should be entered as a pipe-separated string enumerating the definition update sources in order. Possible values are: “InternalDefinitionUpdateServer”, “MicrosoftUpdateServer”, “MMPC”, and “FileShares”

For example: { InternalDefinitionUpdateServer | MicrosoftUpdateServer | MMPC }

If you enable this setting, definition update sources will be contacted in the order specified. Once definition updates have been successfully downloaded from one specified source, the remaining sources in the list will not be contacted.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, definition update sources will be contacted in a default order.
Allow definition updates from Microsoft Update
This policy setting allows you to enable download of definition updates from Microsoft Update even if the Automatic Updates default server is configured to another download source such as Windows Update.

If you enable this setting, definition updates will be downloaded from Microsoft Update.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, definition updates will be downloaded from the configured download source.
Allow real-time definition updates based on reports to Microsoft MAPS
This policy setting allows you to enable real-time definition updates in response to reports sent to Microsoft MAPS. If the service reports a file as an unknown and Microsoft MAPS finds that the latest definition update has definitions for a threat involving that file, the service will receive all of the latest definitions for that threat immediately. You must have configured your computer to join Microsoft MAPS for this functionality to work.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, real-time definition updates will be enabled.

If you disable this setting, real-time definition updates will disabled.
Specify the day of the week to check for definition updates
This policy setting allows you to specify the day of the week on which to check for definition updates. The check 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 (default)
(0x1) Sunday
(0x2) Monday
(0x3) Tuesday
(0x4) Wednesday
(0x5) Thursday
(0x6) Friday
(0x7) Saturday
(0x8) Never

If you enable this setting, the check for definition updates will occur at the frequency specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, the check for definition updates will occur at a default frequency.
Never
Every Day
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Specify the time to check for definition updates
This policy setting allows you to specify the time of day at which to check for definition updates. 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 configured to check for definition updates 15 minutes before the scheduled scan time. The schedule is based on local time on the computer where the check is occurring.

If you enable this setting, the check for definition updates will occur at the time of day specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, the check for definition updates will occur at the default time.
Allow notifications to disable definitions based reports to Microsoft MAPS
This policy setting allows you to configure the antimalware service to receive notifications to disable individual definitions in response to reports it sends to Microsoft MAPS. Microsoft MAPS uses these notifications to disable definitions that are causing false positive reports. You must have configured your computer to join Microsoft MAPS for this functionality to work.

If you enable this setting or do not configure, the antimalware service will receive notifications to disable definitions.

If you disable this setting, the antimalware service will not receive notifications to disable definitions.
Define the number of days after which a catch-up definition update is required
This policy setting allows you to define the number of days after which a catch-up definition update will be required. By default, the value of this setting is 1 day.

If you enable this setting, a catch-up definition update will occur after the specified number of days.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, a catch-up definition update will be required after the default number of days.
Specify the interval for expiry notification

This policy setting allows you to specify an interval(in days) for expiry notification.
If a signature expiry or platform expiry is impending, this value tells how soon AM UI will notify customers.

Value should be greater than zero for the policy to be active.

Specify the interval to check for definition updates
This policy setting allows you to specify an interval at which to check for definition 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 definition updates will occur at the interval specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, checks for definition updates will occur at the default interval.
Check for the latest virus and spyware definitions on startup
This policy setting allows you to manage whether a check for new virus and spyware definitions will occur immediately after service startup.

If you enable this setting, a check for new definitions will occur after service startup.

If you disable this setting or do not configure this setting, a check for new definitions will not occur after service startup.
Configure the 'Block at First Sight' feature
This feature ensures the device checks in real time with the Microsoft Active Protection Service (MAPS) before allowing certain content to be run or accessed. If this feature is disabled, the check will not occur, which will lower the protection state of the device.
Enabled – The Block at First Sight setting is turned on.
Disabled – The Block at First Sight setting is turned off.

This feature requires these Group Policy settings to be set as follows:
MAPS -> The “Join Microsoft MAPS” must be enabled or the “Block at First Sight” feature will not function.
MAPS -> The “Send file samples when further analysis is required” should be set to 1 (Send safe samples) or 3 (Send all samples). Setting to 0 (Always Prompt) will lower the protection state of the device. Setting to 2 (Never send) means the “Block at First Sight” feature will not function.
Real-time Protection -> The “Scan all downloaded files and attachments” policy must be enabled or the “Block at First Sight” feature will not function.
Real-time Protection -> Do not enable the “Turn off real-time protection” policy or the “Block at First Sight” feature will not function.
Configure local setting override for reporting to Microsoft MAPS
This policy setting configures a local override for the configuration to join Microsoft MAPS. This setting can only be set by Group Policy.

If you enable this setting, the local preference setting will take priority over Group Policy.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Group Policy will take priority over the local preference setting.
Send file samples when further analysis is required

This policy setting configures behaviour 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

Always prompt
Send safe samples
Never send
Send all samples

Join Microsoft MAPS
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 definitions 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 will not 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 will join Microsoft MAPS with the membership specified.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, you will not 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.
Disabled
Basic MAPS
Advanced MAPS
Specify threats upon which default action should not be taken when detected
This policy setting customize which remediation action will be taken for each listed Threat ID when it is detected during a scan. Threats should be added under the Options for this setting. Each entry must be listed as a name value pair. The name defines a valid Threat ID, while the value contains the action ID for the remediation action that should be taken.

Valid remediation action values are:
2 = Quarantine
3 = Remove
6 = Ignore
Specify threat alert levels at which default action should not be taken when detected
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
Enable headless UI mode

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.

Suppresses reboot notifications

This policy setting allows user to supress reboot notifications in UI only mode (for cases where UI can't be in lockdown mode).

If you enable this setting AM UI won't show reboot notifications.

Suppress all notifications
Use this policy setting to specify if you want Windows Defender Antivirus notifications to display on clients.
If you disable or do not configure this setting, Windows Defender Antivirus notifications will display on clients.

If you enable this setting, Windows Defender Antivirus notifications will not display on clients.

Display additional text to clients when they need to perform an action
This policy setting allows you to configure whether or not to display additional text to clients when they need to perform an action. The text displayed is a custom administrator-defined string. For example, the phone number to call the company help desk. The client interface will only display a maximum of 1024 characters. Longer strings will be truncated before display.

If you enable this setting, the additional text specified will be displayed.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, there will be no additional text displayed.
Select cloud protection level

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

If this setting is on, Windows 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 Windows Defender Antivirus documentation site.

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

Possible options are:
(0x0) Default windows defender blocking level
(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

Default Windows Defender Antivirus blocking level
High blocking level
High+ blocking level
Zero tolerance blocking level
Configure extended cloud check

This feature allows Windows 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.

Prevent users and apps from accessing dangerous websites

Enable or disable Windows 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 will not be able to access dangerous domains
-Audit Mode: Users and applications can connect to dangerous domains, however if this feature would have blocked access if it were set to Block, then a record of the event will be in the event logs.

Disabled:
Users and applications will not be blocked from connecting to dangerous domains.

Not configured:
Same as Disabled.

Exclude files and paths from Attack Surface Reduction Rules

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.

Configure Attack Surface Reduction rules

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 will not actually be applied)
- Off: the rule will not be applied

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)

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.

Configure Controlled folder access

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.

Windows 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 will not 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 will not be recorded in the Windows event log.

Audit Mode:
The following will not 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 will not be blocked and will be allowed to run:
- Attempts by untrusted apps to modify or delete files in protected folders
These attempts will not be recorded in the Windows event log.

Audit disk modification only:
The following will not 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 will not be recorded.

Not configured:
Same as Disabled.

Disable (Default)
Block
Audit Mode
Block disk modification only
Audit disk modification only
Configure allowed applications

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.

Windows 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.

Configure protected folders

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

Files in these folders cannot 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.

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

Define device control policy groups

Please follow the device control policy groups xml schema to fill out the policy groups data.

Define device control policy rules

Please follow the device control policy rules xml schema to fill out the policy rules data.

Define addresses to bypass proxy server

Define proxy auto-config (.pac) for connecting to the network

Define proxy server for connecting to the network

Extension Exclusions

Path Exclusions

Process Exclusions

Specify additional definition sets for network traffic inspection

Configure removal of items from Quarantine folder

Define the maximum size of downloaded files and attachments to be scanned

Configure monitoring for incoming and outgoing file and program activity

Specify the day of the week to run a scheduled full scan to complete remediation

Specify the time of day to run a scheduled full scan to complete remediation

Define the number of scheduled scans that can be missed after which a catch-up scan is forced

Configure time out for detections requiring additional action

Configure time out for detections in critically failed state

Configure time out for detections in non-critical failed state

Configure time out for detections in recently remediated state

Configure Windows software trace preprocessor components

Configure WPP tracing level

Specify the maximum depth to scan archive files

Specify the maximum size of archive files to be scanned

Specify the maximum percentage of CPU utilization during a scan

Turn on removal of items from scan history folder

Specify the interval to run quick scans per day

Specify the scan type to use for a scheduled scan

Specify the day of the week to run a scheduled scan

Specify the time for a daily quick scan

Specify the time of day to run a scheduled scan

Define the number of days before spyware definitions are considered out of date

Define the number of days before virus definitions are considered out of date

Define file shares for downloading definition updates

Define the order of sources for downloading definition updates

Specify the day of the week to check for definition updates

Specify the time to check for definition updates

Define the number of days after which a catch-up definition update is required

Specify the interval to check for definition updates

Join Microsoft MAPS

Send file samples when further analysis is required

Specify threats upon which default action should not be taken when detected

Specify threat alert levels at which default action should not be taken when detected

Display additional text to clients when they need to perform an action

Specify the interval for expiry notification

Select cloud blocking level

Specify the extended cloud check time in seconds

Configure the guard my folders feature

Exclusions from ASR rules:

Set the state for each ASR rule:

Enter the applications that should be trusted:

Enter the folders that should be guarded:

Define the policy groups here

Define the policy rules here