windows-itpro-docs/windows/keep-secure/use-powershell-cmdlets-windows-defender-for-windows-10.md

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Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure and run Windows Defender in Windows 10	In Windows 10, you can use PowerShell cmdlets to run scans, update definitions, and change settings in Windows Defender.	scan, command line, mpcmdrun, defender	eADQiWindows 10XVcnh	security	w10	manage	library	security	medium	iaanw

Use PowerShell cmdlets to configure and run Windows Defender

Applies to:

• Windows 10

You can use PowerShell to perform various functions in Windows Defender. Similar to the command prompt or command line, PowerShell is a task-based command-line shell and scripting language designed especially for system administration, and you can read more about it at the PowerShell hub on MSDN.

For a list of the cmdlets and their functions and available parameters, see the Defender cmdlets topic.

PowerShell cmdlets are most useful in Windows Server environments that don't rely on a graphical user interface (GUI) to configure software.

Note

PowerShell cmdlets should not be used as a replacement for a full network policy management infrastructure, such as System Center Configuration Manager, Group Policy Management Console, or Windows Defender Group Policy ADMX templates.

PowerShell is typically installed under the folder %SystemRoot%\system32\WindowsPowerShell.

Use Windows Defender PowerShell cmdlets

1. Click Start, type powershell, and press Enter.
2. Click Windows PowerShell to open the interface.

   Note

   You may need to open an administrator-level version of PowerShell. Right-click the item in the Start menu, click Run as administrator and click Yes at the permissions prompt.

3. Enter the command and parameters.

To open online help for any of the cmdlets type the following:

Get-Help <cmdlet> -Online

Omit the -online parameter to get locally cached help.

Related topics

• Windows Defender in Windows 10