If you are already using Windows Defender as your antivirus program on Windows 10, then you already have this feature enabled. Windows Defender periodically scans your PC, also known as Scheduled scans.
Notifying you of threats found on your PC
When Windows 10 Limited Periodic Scanning is turned ON, and even if you are NOT using Windows Defender for your real-time protection, the Windows Defender user interface and History tab will allow you to view any additional threats that have been detected.
Screenshot of Windows Defender periodic scanning settings Screenshot of the Windows Defender History settings
When a threat is found, Windows Defender will notify you with a Windows 10 notification. In most cases, Windows Defender will also automatically take action on the threat. Clicking on the notification will open Windows Defender where you can further review the threat that was found and the action that was automatically taken.
Screenshot of the Windows Defender scan notification
Clicking the notification will take you to the Windows Defender main user interface, where additional actions (if required) can be taken and applied.
At this time, Windows 10 Limited Periodic Scanning is intended for consumers. We are evaluating this feature for commercial customers, but Limited Periodic Scanning only applies to unmanaged devices for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
Windows 10 is our most secure operating system yet, and we will continue to improve Windows 10 with features like Limited Periodic Scanning. With Windows 10, you can rest assured you’ll always have the latest security protections. To learn more about the security features offered in Windows 10 visit: http://www.microsoft.com/security.