Scan For Malware (Windows Security)

This guide explains how to use the built-in Windows Security (Windows Defender) to scan your computer for malware in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

1. Click Start.
2. Type Windows Security and click the Windows Security app in the results.

Step 2: Open Virus & Threat Protection

1. In the Windows Security window, click Virus & threat protection.
2. This section shows your current protection status and scan options.

Step 3: Run a Quick Scan

1. Under Current threats, click Quick scan.
2. Windows will scan common locations where malware is often found.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and review the results.

Step 4: Run a Full Scan (If Needed)

1. In the Virus & threat protection section, click Scan options (or similar link).
2. Select Full scan.
3. Click Scan now.
4. A full scan can take a long time, depending on how many files you have.

Step 5: Use Microsoft Defender Offline Scan (For Persistent Threats)

1. In Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
2. Click Scan now.
3. Your PC will restart and run a special scan before Windows fully loads.
4. After the scan, Windows will start normally and show you the results.

Step 6: Review and Take Action on Detected Threats

1. After any scan, check the Protection history link in Virus & threat protection.
2. Review any detected threats.
3. Follow the recommended actions, such as Remove or Quarantine.

Step 7: Keep Windows Security Up to Date

1. In Virus & threat protection, scroll to Virus & threat protection updates.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Make sure your virus definitions are current.

Run quick scans regularly and full scans occasionally, especially if your PC is acting strangely or you suspect malware.