How To Remove Scan With Windows Defender From Context Menu Of Windows 10

The big November Update adds several small but useful features to the fantastic Windows 10 operating system. Among other features, the ability to initiate a file or folder scan with Windows Defender right from the context menu is one of the many beneficial features.

Unlike before, Windows 10 (with November Update) now shows Scan with Windows Defender option in the context menu that appears when you right-click on a file or folder. Before this, as you know, one needed to manually open Windows Defender, and then initiate the scan from there.

Without a doubt, the Scan with Windows Defender option is going to be helpful for tens of millions of Windows 10 users who are relying on Windows Defender.

The problem with Scan with Windows Defender option

But the problem with this feature is that the option appears in the context menu even if you have installed and using a third-party antivirus software like Kaspersky Internet Security and Avast Antivirus. As you can see in the picture above, the Scan with Defender option appears on a computer where Kaspersky is installed and turned on.

In other words, the Scan with Windows Defender option appears in the file and folder context menu even if you have disabled Windows Defender (turns off automatically when a third-party antivirus is installed).

Logically, when Windows Defender is turned off, the option should not appear in the context menu. But it looks like the option appears in Windows 10 context menu irrespective of the status of Windows Defender.

Luckily, if you’re using a third-party security solution or turned off Windows Defender for any other reason, you can remove Scan with Windows Defender entry from the context menu of Windows 10. All you need to do is make a small edit to the Registry.

Remove Scan with Windows Defender from Windows 10 context menu

Complete the given below directions to get rid of Scan with Windows Defender entry from the context menu of Windows 10.

Important: Since this method requires you edit the Registry, please follow our how to create a system restore point in Windows 10 guide to create a manual restore point. The restore point not only comes in handy if something goes wrong (very unlikely though), but it helps you restore the entry if and when required in the future.

Step 1: Type Regedit in the Start menu or taskbar search box, and then press Enter. Click Yes button when you see the User Account Control prompt.

Step 2: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{09A47860-11B0-4DA5-AFA5-26D86198A780}

Step 3: Right-click on {09A47860-11B0-4DA5-AFA5-26D86198A780}, and then click Delete. Make sure that you have selected the correct entry before clicking Delete.

Step 4: Click the Yes button when you see the confirmation box to delete it.

The Scan with Windows Defender entry will no longer appear when you right-click on a file or folder in Windows 10. Good luck!