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7.6: Using Windows Defender Scan

  • Page ID
    13604
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    To scan your PC for viruses and malware using Windows Defender Antivirus, complete either a quick scan or full scan. To perform a Quick Scan, complete the following:

    1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
    2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
    3. Click the Quick scan button.

    To perform a Full Scan or Custom Scan, complete the following.

    1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
    2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
    3. Click the link of the Advanced scan.
    4. Select the Full Scan or Custom Scan option and select the appropriate folders to scan.

    Sometimes if you're dealing with a tough virus or another type of malware, the antivirus may not be able to remove it while Windows 10 is running. If this is the case, save your work, close any running application, and run an offline scan using the following steps:

    1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
    2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
    3. Click the link of the Advanced scan.
    4. Select the Windows Defender Offline scan option.
    5. Click the Scan now button.
    6. Click the Scan button to continue.

    When you start an offline scan, your device will restart and boot using the Windows Defender Antivirus environment. The latest definition update will be installed (if an internet connection is available), a scan will be performed, and if malicious software is detected, it'll be removed or quarantined automatically.


    This page titled 7.6: Using Windows Defender Scan is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Nick Heisserer (Minnesota State Opendora) .

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