F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Is Windows Security stopping right away when you click to start a full scan? That's the problem.

Is Windows Security stopping right away when you click to start a full scan? That's the problem.

Is Windows Security stopping right away when you click to start a full scan? That's the problem.

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masondowd1
Member
100
05-11-2026, 01:10 AM
#1
Hey guys, I have a bit of free time this week so decided to do some system maintenance... I think I have a problem with security, I've tried a few times now, and even after updates and sfc etc., it still won't finish. From memory, I used to run full scans that took about an hour? My current attempts just seem to be stuck at different stages of the scan. Any help would be great!
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masondowd1
05-11-2026, 01:10 AM #1

Hey guys, I have a bit of free time this week so decided to do some system maintenance... I think I have a problem with security, I've tried a few times now, and even after updates and sfc etc., it still won't finish. From memory, I used to run full scans that took about an hour? My current attempts just seem to be stuck at different stages of the scan. Any help would be great!

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SillyDragon
Senior Member
586
05-11-2026, 04:23 AM
#2
Check your computer's settings and see what devices are connected. Even though it says you can work while scanning, wait for the job to finish before doing anything else. Let the system run its own scan without interference. See if the time gets shorter or if those annoying stops stop. Look at Task Manager to find other apps that might be using up resources like updates or backups. Another spot is Process Explorer (Microsoft), which is free on their site. Go check your Reliability History and Event Viewer logs too, because one of these two tools might show a hidden error code or warning when the scan hangs. It's hard to tell just by looking, but trying these steps will help you find out what caused the problem.
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SillyDragon
05-11-2026, 04:23 AM #2

Check your computer's settings and see what devices are connected. Even though it says you can work while scanning, wait for the job to finish before doing anything else. Let the system run its own scan without interference. See if the time gets shorter or if those annoying stops stop. Look at Task Manager to find other apps that might be using up resources like updates or backups. Another spot is Process Explorer (Microsoft), which is free on their site. Go check your Reliability History and Event Viewer logs too, because one of these two tools might show a hidden error code or warning when the scan hangs. It's hard to tell just by looking, but trying these steps will help you find out what caused the problem.

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GoldenZap
Member
179
05-12-2026, 08:16 AM
#3
If you let the scan finish on its own without doing anything else, it could stop working because of how your computer saves energy. When the PC isn't being used much, it might switch to a low-power setting. Then Windows Security won't start checking things anymore.
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GoldenZap
05-12-2026, 08:16 AM #3

If you let the scan finish on its own without doing anything else, it could stop working because of how your computer saves energy. When the PC isn't being used much, it might switch to a low-power setting. Then Windows Security won't start checking things anymore.

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Blakem16
Member
154
06-01-2026, 02:36 PM
#4
Thanks both! Will do some more investigations later. Fairly reasonably spec's machine, details in sig, with bang up to date 11 on it. I'm 99% certain Full Scans were running just fine a month or so ago? - I just assumed it'd become broken after an update or something.
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Blakem16
06-01-2026, 02:36 PM #4

Thanks both! Will do some more investigations later. Fairly reasonably spec's machine, details in sig, with bang up to date 11 on it. I'm 99% certain Full Scans were running just fine a month or so ago? - I just assumed it'd become broken after an update or something.

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FadingRainbow
Junior Member
16
06-01-2026, 10:19 PM
#5
I've seen how often our computer gets stuck on these scans, and my CPU feels really hot. I think it's just random luck though.
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FadingRainbow
06-01-2026, 10:19 PM #5

I've seen how often our computer gets stuck on these scans, and my CPU feels really hot. I think it's just random luck though.