Why can't I scan my Lumia 520 via a USB device while connected to my laptop?

[Windows Central Question]

Scanning as a USB device

I'm trying to scan my Lumia 520 while connected to my laptop...odd thing is that it shows up in Explorer as a USB device (drive) but when I go into the custom settings in Defender it fails to show up there.Any suggestions?
I am aware that I don't have any viruses on my phone but I just wanted to see if it worked (because it should) but alas does not.
I'm running Windows 10 on my laptop and 8.1 on the phone.

 

[slyronit]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

It's showing upas an MTP device, without a drive letter, not a mass storage device, with a drive letter.

You can only scan and do advanced functionality in the second case.

 

[Joe Biker]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

It's showing up a Windows Phone with a drive letter...is there a way of changing how to act like a simple USB drive? mass storage device?

 

[slyronit]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

No. Windows phones only support MTP. Read up on it.

 

[Joe Biker]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

Thanks...for coming across as a jerk,
next time I'll think twice about asking such a question about Windows phone on "Windows Central"
in the mean time I'll "read up on it"

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

I'm not sure about scanning but when plugged in your phone essentially becomes a mass storage device (that will show up in Explorer). I don't think it's possible to scan the phone for viruses though. And I'm pretty sure it doesn't display drive letters for the phone, possibly explaining why your virus scan option wasn't there.

And slyronit... Instead of just saying "Read up on it" provide a link for that reading.

 

[Joe Biker]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

Thanks for the reply Daniel,I admit defeat in this instance...with previous incarnations of Windows mobile there was the option with some phones to set the handset as a mass storage unit..unfortunately this is no longer the case.I'm also aware that there is likely a 0% chance so far to get a virus on Windows phones..but that will almost certainly change in time.
and there is always a "slyronit" on every forum:wink:

Cheers again

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

Thanks for the reply Daniel,I admit defeat in this instance...with previous incarnations of Windows mobile there was the option with some phones to set the handset as a mass storage unit..unfortunately this is no longer the case.I'm also aware that there is likely a 0% chance so far to get a virus on Windows phones..but that will almost certainly change in time.
and there is always a "slyronit" on every forum:wink:

Cheers again

I do believe this was a Windows Mobile 6.5 and earlier thing since I joined in at WP7 and I've never noticed the option for it. Gotta admit, being able to scan the device for viruses would be useful. Especially if and when Windows on phones becomes popular. Not sure why they would take that option away.

 

[Joe Biker]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

Indeed it was 6.5 on a Samsung Omnia II...damn convenient to have had that option,perhaps it will return at some point in the future.I concur about the increased popularity of Windows mobile devices and the potential of malware.
Cheers again

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

Re: Scanning as a USB device

Indeed it was 6.5 on a Samsung Omnia II...damn convenient to have had that option,perhaps it will return at some point in the future.I concur about the increased popularity of Windows mobile devices and the potential of malware.
Cheers again

I hear about all this and it makes me want to pick up a HTC HD2 just to see what all the fuss was about with Windows mobile 6.5 but at the same time I love my tiles of Windows Phone too much.