Windows Defender — How to Run a Virus Scan

Windows Defender (built into Windows 10 and 11) provides solid antivirus protection at no extra cost. Here's how to use it. How to run a quick scan: 1. Open the Start menu and search for "Windows Security" 2. Click "Virus & threat protection" 3. Click "Quick scan" 4. Windows will scan the most common locations where malware hides — this usually takes 1–5 minutes How to run a full scan (more thorough): 1. In "Virus & threat protection," click "Scan options" 2. Select "Full scan" and click "Scan now" 3. A full scan checks every file on your computer — it can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the size of your drive 4. Recommended to run this overnight or during a lunch break How to scan a specific file or folder: In File Explorer, right-click any file or folder and select "Scan with Microsoft Defender." This is useful when you receive a file from an external source. Checking if Defender is up to date: In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > "Virus & threat protection updates" — click "Check for updates." Defender updates daily automatically, but confirming it's current is good practice. What to do if a threat is found: Defender will usually handle threats automatically (quarantine or remove). After a scan, if anything is found, follow the on-screen options — typically "Remove" or "Quarantine." Then run a second scan to confirm the system is clean. Contact us if: - Defender finds a threat it can't remove - You're seeing pop-ups warning of viruses from programs you don't recognize (this is often a scam — don't click anything, call us) - Your computer is behaving strangely even after a clean scan