On Windows 10 and Windows 11, start in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection: update security intelligence, run a Quick scan, and review any detection in Protection history before choosing the offered remediation. If a threat returns or may be hiding while Windows runs, save your work and use Microsoft Defender Offline. A scan can help find and remove threats, but a clean result is not proof that a PC is certainly malware-free.
Start safely in Windows Security
Open Windows Security from the Start menu, then select Virus & threat protection. This is the built-in interface for Microsoft Defender Antivirus and related protection features. If you use a separate compatible antivirus product, it may register as the active provider and switch Microsoft Defender Antivirus off automatically. Labels can vary by Windows release, so use the Virus & threat protection area rather than relying on one fixed Settings route. Microsoft explains the Windows Security virus and threat protection controls.
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Review Current threats and Protection history for detections, actions already taken, and the last scan. If an unexpected warning appears in a browser, email, or notification, do not follow its link or install an unfamiliar cleaner. Open Windows Security yourself from Start instead.
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Before scanning, open Protection updates and install the latest security intelligence. Microsoft Defender uses this intelligence to identify threats, so an up-to-date scan is more useful than one using old definitions. Microsoft recommends starting with a Quick scan when you are concerned about malware. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance and unwanted-software guidance describe these scan choices.
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| Scan option | Best use | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| Quick scan | First immediate check when you suspect malware | A quicker on-demand check; Microsoft recommends starting here when concerned. |
| Full scan | Broader check of the PC | Every file and program. |
| Custom scan | Concern limited to a particular location | The selected folders or files. |
| Microsoft Defender Offline | A threat keeps returning or may hide while Windows is running | Scans outside the normal Windows session after restarting the PC. |
Windows Security can continue providing background protection when it is active; an on-demand scan is useful when you want to check immediately. The scan choices are not interchangeable: a Quick scan is a first check, a Full scan broadens coverage, and an Offline scan runs outside the usual Windows session.
Scan a suspicious file or folder
If you are concerned about one downloaded file or folder, scan that item directly rather than launching it. In File Explorer, right-click it and choose Scan with Microsoft Defender. On Windows 11, you may need to select Show more options first. Check the result in Windows Security. Microsoft’s item-scanning instructions cover this menu action.
Rank #2
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Review detections and remove threats
When Windows Security reports a detection, read its name and status in Current threats or Protection history, then use the remediation action it offers, such as quarantine or removal. Do not choose Allow unless you have an independent, clear reason to establish that the file is safe. Allowing a threat exempts it from Windows Security action until you reverse that choice.
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If the detection concerns an app you do not want, remove the app through Settings > Apps. Potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) are not necessarily malware, but they can still be disruptive: Microsoft notes they may show ads, mine cryptocurrency, or bundle other applications. Keep PUA protections enabled; you can consider both app blocking and download blocking. Download blocking works with Microsoft Edge. See Microsoft’s PUA protection guidance.
Rank #3
- [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
- [WinPE Repair & Recovery Tools] — Boot into the included WinPE utility suite to backup system and important files, troubleshoot startup problems, repair boot issues, recover data, recover Win User accounts password, and diagnose common PC problems.
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- [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
- [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.
Use Microsoft Defender Offline for a persistent threat
If the same threat returns or appears able to hide while Windows is running, save open work and start Microsoft Defender Offline from Virus & threat protection > Scan options. The PC restarts, scans in the Windows Recovery Environment without loading the normal Windows session, and restarts when the scan is complete. Check Protection history afterward for the result. Microsoft says Defender Offline runs outside Windows to remove rootkits and other threats that hide from the operating system. Microsoft’s home-security guidance describes this offline scan.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When scanning does not resolve the problem
If serious damage or unwanted changes remain after cleanup, Windows recovery or reset may be necessary. Before resetting or reinstalling, back up important files and settings. Where possible, restore from a backup made before the infection and stored externally. Do not assume that copying files from a PC you suspect is infected is risk-free; the right handling depends on the infection and the files involved. Microsoft discusses recovery and malware-removal problems in its malware detection and removal troubleshooting guidance.
Quick Recap
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