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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Start with Windows Security: update Microsoft Defender’s security intelligence, run a scan, and review Protection history. If the same threat returns or ordinary scans do not resolve the problem, run Microsoft Defender Offline. Reserve resetting or reinstalling Windows for cases that remain unresolved, and protect important files before recovery.
Before you scan: symptoms are clues, not proof
A slow PC, unexpected ads or pop-ups, or browser redirects can be reasons to check for malware, but none confirms an infection on its own. Microsoft lists these as possible signs, not a diagnosis. Microsoft’s guidance on potentially unwanted applications also distinguishes unwanted software from malware: an app may be unwanted without being malicious.
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Run a Microsoft Defender scan
- Open Windows Security. Select Virus & threat protection and check for available protection updates or security intelligence updates. Menu wording can differ by Windows version, language, or device management policy.
- Run an initial scan. In Virus & threat protection, start a quick scan for an immediate first check. Microsoft says a full scan examines every file and program; a custom scan checks locations you select. Scan duration varies with the number of files and device conditions. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance describes the scan options.
- Review the result. Return to the Virus & threat protection area to see current threats and scan information. Do not assume a symptom alone means the scan found malware; use the reported result to decide what to do next.
Check Protection history for detections and Offline scan results
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history to review actions and results. Microsoft specifically directs users there for Microsoft Defender Offline scan results. If an item is listed, read the status and available action in Windows Security rather than deleting files manually. Avoid changing or removing unfamiliar system files by hand.
If you are unsure what a listed item means or the device is managed by work or school, follow the instructions shown in Windows Security or ask the organization’s IT team. Labels and available controls can vary across Windows versions and managed devices. Microsoft’s Windows Security instructions cover where to find scan information and history.
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If the same threat returns, run Microsoft Defender Offline
A threat that reappears after removal can have a hidden component that reinstalls it when Windows starts. Microsoft recommends an Offline scan for persistent threats because it scans outside the usual Windows session, where some malware has a harder time hiding. Save open work first: the PC restarts to run the scan.
- Save your work and close open applications.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
- Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan, then start the scan.
- Allow the PC to restart and complete the scan. When Windows is available again, open Protection history to review the result.
Microsoft explains the Offline scan and where to find its results in its Windows Security guidance.
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Remove unwanted apps without treating every one as malware
If you recognize an app you no longer want, uninstall it through Settings > Apps, then run a Defender scan. Potentially unwanted apps are not necessarily malware, so use care before removing software you do not recognize. If unwanted software persists after ordinary removal, an Offline scan is one escalation option. Do not try to clean up by deleting unfamiliar Windows files yourself. Microsoft’s potentially unwanted application guidance discusses this distinction.
Choose the least disruptive next step that fits the problem
| Option | When to use it | Disruption and data impact |
|---|---|---|
| Quick or full Defender scan | Initial check; choose full scan when you want every file and program examined. | Low disruption. Scan time varies with files and device conditions. Microsoft |
| Microsoft Defender Offline | A threat returns or may be hiding while Windows runs. | Restarts the PC; save open work first. Microsoft |
| Reset this PC | Consider recovery when ordinary troubleshooting is insufficient. | Depending on the selected option, personal files may be kept or removed; apps and settings are affected. Microsoft |
| Clean install from installation media | Suspected infection persists or other recovery options are inadequate. | Most disruptive: removes Windows, personal files, apps, and settings from the selected drive. Confirm the target drive and backup before proceeding. Microsoft |
The Malicious Software Removal Tool is not a replacement for a full antimalware product: Microsoft says it targets specific prevalent threats and points users to Defender Offline or Safety Scanner for broader cleanup. Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool information explains its scope.
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- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
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Back up before resetting or reinstalling
Before a recovery that could remove files, protect important material. Prefer a backup made before the suspected infection and stored separately from the affected PC; files left on the infected machine may have been changed. Confirm that you can access the backup and any recovery credentials you need before starting. Microsoft’s recovery options guidance describes reset choices, while its Windows reinstall instructions explain the impact of a clean install.
A clean installation uses Windows installation media, which can be created using another working PC. Take particular care to select the intended drive: the clean install removes files, apps, and settings from that drive. Do not start until you have a usable backup of anything you need. Microsoft’s reinstall guide provides the procedure and consequences.
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After cleanup, scan again and update Windows and apps
Review Protection history and run another scan if concern remains. Install available updates for Windows, your browser, and your applications after recovery. If you still use Windows 10, account for its support status: Microsoft says free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes through Windows Update ended after October 14, 2025. Microsoft’s Windows end-of-support information explains what that means.
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