Microsoft Defender Antivirus • Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026
CAT II V-213444 WNDF-AV-000020
Microsoft Defender AV must be configured to scan all downloaded files and attachments.
Discussion
This policy setting allows configuration of scanning for all downloaded files and attachments. If this setting is enabled or not configured, scanning for all downloaded files and attachments will be enabled. If this setting is disabled, scanning for all downloaded files and attachments will be disabled.
Check Procedure
Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Scan all downloaded files and attachments" is set to "Enabled" or "Not Configured". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection Criteria: If the value "DisableIOAVProtection" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding. If the value does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is 1, this is a finding.
Fix Action
Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Scan all downloaded files and attachments" to "Enabled" or "Not Configured".