Does Windows Defender need internet access?

[aquielisunari]

Aside from the latest deinitions or updates from M$ does it need an internet connection? There is an option to scan offline but I am wondering if it needs a constant connection for some other reason.

Will there be any adverse reaction due to blocking its connection to the internet?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

It uses the connection for updates for definitions and the app does update once in awhile.

 

[aquielisunari]

It uses the connection for updates for definitions and the app does update once in awhile.

Understood. Aside from those activities does it require a connection for functionality? I want to make sure I'm not going to break anything blocking its connection.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

No it shouldn't hurt to do it , just won't have the current definitions.

I don't even use it , not a very good detection scanner.

 

[aquielisunari]

No it shouldn't hurt to do it , just won't have the current definitions.

Shouldn't? Guess I will find out definitively. I'll keep it updated the same way I Update everything else, aside from Windows. No reason to auto-update everything. Not something I'd recommend. It's just something I want to do and needed to know whether I was going to break something. Thanks for your time and help SR-71.

 

[aquielisunari]

No it shouldn't hurt to do it , just won't have the current definitions.

I don't even use it , not a very good detection scanner.

Alone it isn't.

What do you recommend instead of or in addition to W.D. if I can veer slightly off course.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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