STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 9 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Microsoft Defender AV must be configured to scan removable drives.

DISA Rule

SV-213449r960852_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-213449

Group Title

SRG-APP-000073

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000025

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-000870 - Check media containing diagnostic and test programs for malicious code before the media are used in the system.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Defender Antivirus >> Scan >> "Scan removable drives" to "Enabled".

Check Contents

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Scan >> "Scan removable drives" is set to "Enabled".

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan

Criteria: If the value "DisableRemovableDriveScanning" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-213449

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000025

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Scan >> "Scan removable drives" is set to "Enabled".

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scan

Criteria: If the value "DisableRemovableDriveScanning" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3985