Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To scan your PC, open Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection, then choose Quick scan or open Scan options to run a Full, Custom, or Microsoft Defender Offline scan. The steps below apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11; exact wording can vary with Windows updates. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance describes these scan controls.
Run a scan from Windows Security
- Open the Windows Security app from the Start menu.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Current threats, select Quick scan to start a faster check. To choose a different scan, select Scan options, pick a scan type, then start it.
- When the scan finishes, review the threats found and the last-scan details, including duration and the number of files scanned, on the Virus & threat protection page. Microsoft documents the scan steps and result details.
Choose the right scan type
| Scan type | What it checks | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Quick scan | A faster check rather than a scan of all files and folders. | Use for a quick check. If Windows Security recommends a different scan after it finishes, follow the notification. |
| Full scan | Every file and program on the device. | Choose it when you want a broader on-demand scan. |
| Custom scan | Files and folders you select. | Use it when you want to check a particular location. |
| Microsoft Defender Offline | Runs in Windows Recovery Environment without loading Windows. | Use when malware may be persistent, or when you want a scan that runs outside the normal Windows session. Save open work first: the PC restarts to begin the scan and restarts again when it finishes. Find the result in Windows Security > Protection history. |
Microsoft’s scan descriptions distinguish Quick, Full, and Custom by coverage; Offline is the option that restarts into a separate recovery environment. See Microsoft’s scan-option guidance.
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Scan one file or folder
- In File Explorer, right-click the file or folder you want to check.
- Select Scan with Microsoft Defender. In Windows 11, if that command is not shown, select Show more options first.
- Check the result on the Scan options page in Windows Security. Microsoft’s selected-item instructions cover this context-menu route.
If the Defender scan option is missing
Windows Security is built into Windows, but Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns off automatically when another antivirus app is installed and turned on. Check which security provider is active if Defender’s expected controls are unavailable. Microsoft explains how Windows Security handles antivirus providers.
If you are concerned about unwanted software
Microsoft recommends getting the latest security intelligence and running a Full scan. If unwanted software remains, Microsoft suggests trying Microsoft Defender Offline, which starts outside the loaded Windows session. Read Microsoft’s guidance for Microsoft Defender Offline.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Open Windows Security from the Microsoft Defender dashboard
If you are already in the Microsoft Defender dashboard, select Device details, then Manage in Windows Security, and then Quick scan. For a broader or targeted scan, open Scan options instead. Microsoft lists this dashboard route.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
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