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Windows malware is still a big problem. That's why Microsoft ships an antivirus named Microsoft Defender with Windows 10. It scans for malware in the groundwork, only y'all tin can also perform a full-system scan with Defender.

First, open up the Start menu and type "Windows Security." Click on the "Windows Security" app icon that pops upwards.

Open Start and type Windows Security on Windows 10

In the sidebar, click "Virus & Threat Protection."

It'southward possible to exercise a quick scan from here by clicking the "Quick Scan" button. If you oasis't scanned recently, you might want to consider doing a deeper scan. In the area below the "Electric current Threats" heading, click "Scan Options."

Click Scan options in Microsoft Defender on Windows 10

In the "Scan Options" menu, you will see a list of four different types of scans you tin perform on your estimator using Microsoft Defender.

  • Quick Scan: Scans folders in your system where threats are usually institute, such as the Downloads and Windows folders. This usually only takes a few minutes to complete.
  • Full Scan: This scans every file on your computer and all running programs besides. The scan may have longer than an hr to complete.
  • Custom Scan: If you lot choose this pick, Windows Security will ask you for a specific file or folder location that you'd like to scan.
  • Microsoft Defender Offline Scan: This option restarts your machine and scans system files and programs while they are not running, which is useful if a piece of malware is currently running and potentially interfering with the scan.

If you haven't tried Defender before or if your computer is acting funny and you're worried nigh an obvious threat, it'southward best to commencement with a Full browse. Select the radio push beside "Full Browse" and click the "Scan Now" button.

Click Full Scan in Microsoft Defender on Windows 10

A full-system scan volition begin, and Windows Security volition testify a progress indicator bar.

Microsoft Defender Full Scan in Progress on Windows 10

When the scan is complete, you'll see the results. If everything was okay, you'll meet a message that says "No Current Threats."

No current threats in Microsoft Defender on Windows 10

However, if the scan did find some malware, you volition see a bulletin that says "Threats Establish" and a list of the infected files just beneath.

To remove the threats, click the "Start Actions" button.

Threat Found in Microsoft Defender on Windows 10

After clicking "Start Actions," Microsoft Defender will remove the threats automatically. If you'd like to come across details on what threats were removed, look below the scan results and click "Protection History."

Also, if Defender found a threat during a Quick or Full browse, it may exist wise to choose "Microsoft Defender Offline Scan" on the Scan Options screen and run information technology immediately afterward just in example. Hopefully, everything will come out normal. Proficient luck, and stay prophylactic!

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