On Windows 10 or 11, open Windows Security, check which antivirus provider is active and whether its protection is current, then run a scan. Start with Quick scan; if you still have concerns, try Full scan or Microsoft Defender Offline. A clean result is reassuring, but no single scan can guarantee that a device is malware-free.
What symptoms should prompt a malware check?
A sudden slowdown, shorter battery life, unexpectedly high data use, pop-ups, or browser redirects can be reasons to investigate. They are clues, not proof of malware: hardware or other software problems can cause similar symptoms.
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Microsoft lists possible signs and recommends a Quick scan when you suspect malware in its guidance on staying protected with the Windows Security app.
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How do I run a malware scan in Windows?
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Open Windows Security and select Virus & threat protection.
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Check the security provider shown and confirm protection is current. Windows 10 and Windows 11 include Windows Security. If another antimalware provider is installed, Microsoft Defender Antivirus may turn off automatically, so do not assume both products are actively scanning.
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Select Quick scan for an initial check. To scan a particular file or folder, right-click it in File Explorer and select Scan with Microsoft Defender.
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If Quick scan finds nothing but your concern remains, select Scan options and choose Full scan, Custom scan, or Microsoft Defender Offline as appropriate.
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Microsoft provides these steps in its instructions for starting a virus or malware scan.
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Which Windows scan option should I choose?
| Option | What it does | When it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| Quick scan | Runs an initial check for threats. | Start here when you suspect malware. |
| Full scan | Scans every file and program. | Use it when a Quick scan finds nothing but concern persists, or when you want a broader check. |
| Custom scan | Scans locations you choose. | Use it to check a particular location. |
| Microsoft Defender Offline | Restarts the PC and scans outside the ordinary Windows session. | Consider it if malware may be hiding while Windows is running, or detections keep returning. |
How do I use Microsoft Defender Offline?
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Save open work first; the scan restarts the PC.
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In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Offline and start the scan.
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After the scan and restart, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history to review the result.
The offline scan runs outside the usual Windows session, which makes it harder for persistent malware to hide. Microsoft describes it as the most complete scan option in its scan instructions.
What if a scan detects malware—or the problem continues?
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Follow the action recommended for the detection, such as quarantine or removal, and review Protection history to see what Windows Security did.
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If unwanted software persists or detections recur, update security intelligence and run a Full scan. An Offline scan is another option for recurring threats.
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Do not casually disable protection or add exclusions: excluded files may not be scanned. Microsoft explains the risk of exclusions in its Windows Security exclusion guidance.
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If malware has caused changes that cannot be reversed, a Windows reset or restore may be an escalation option. These steps can affect data, so understand the consequences and protect files you need before proceeding; they are not the first step in a routine check.
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Does this Windows workflow apply to Mac, Android, or iPhone?
No. The menu paths above are for Windows 10 and 11. Microsoft says its consumer Defender antimalware offering covers Windows, Mac, and Android, but steps depend on the device and product. These Windows instructions do not establish a scan procedure for Mac or Android, and they do not provide an iPhone workflow. Use the security settings and guidance for your specific device rather than applying Windows menu names elsewhere. See Microsoft’s Microsoft Defender Antivirus overview.
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