MpCmdRun.exe is a command-line utility that is part of Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which comes pre-installed on Windows operating systems. This tool allows users to perform various tasks related to malware scanning and management directly from the command line, making it a powerful option for system administrators and advanced users who prefer scripting and automation.

Understanding MpCmdRun.exe

MpCmdRun.exe is located in the Microsoft Defender Antivirus folder and provides several command-line options to perform tasks such as scanning for malware, updating virus definitions, and viewing the current status of the antivirus. It is particularly useful for automation and remote management scenarios.

Examples

Example 1: Running a Quick Scan

A quick scan checks the areas of your system most likely to be infected by malware. To perform a quick scan using MpCmdRun.exe, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator. You can do this by searching for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-clicking on "Command Prompt," and selecting "Run as administrator."

2. Navigate to the Microsoft Defender Antivirus folder. Typically, this is located at C:\Program Files\Windows Defender. Use the following command to navigate:

   cd "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender"

3. Run the quick scan command:

   MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 1

This command initiates a quick scan of your system.

Example 2: Running a Full Scan

A full scan checks all files and running programs on your hard disk. To initiate a full scan, use the following command:

MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 2

Example 3: Updating Virus Definitions

Keeping virus definitions up to date is crucial for effective malware detection. To update the virus definitions, use:

MpCmdRun.exe -SignatureUpdate

Example 4: Viewing Help Options

To view all available options and commands that MpCmdRun.exe supports, you can use the help command:

MpCmdRun.exe -?

This command lists all the command-line options available with MpCmdRun.exe, allowing you to explore other functionalities.

Additional Tips

• Always ensure that you run Command Prompt as an administrator to execute these commands effectively.
• Use Task Scheduler to automate scans and updates using MpCmdRun.exe for regular maintenance.