4 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

If you didn't already know, Windows Defender comes pre-installed with all versions of Windows and is as reliable and powerful as any other antivirus software on the market. In this article, we'll take a look at all the different Windows Defender options.

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Note: Windows Defender has been renamed to Windows Security in Windows 10.

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4 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender

Windows Defender scans your device for viruses, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and other types of malware. However, you can run a manual scan whenever you want. It offers four ways to scan your computer.

Well, if you're wondering how to run a scan with Windows Defender, it's quite simple. Follow the methods below to remove malware from your computer.

1. Run Windows Defender Quick Scan

The first scanning option offered by Windows Defender is Quick Scan. As the name suggests, this scanning option scans Windows systems where threats are commonly found. This includes the Windows Startup folder, registry keys, downloads folder, and more. Here's how to quickly scan with Windows Defender. Follow the steps below.

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Step 1: Press the Windows key, and type Windows Security , And press Enter.

1 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

Step 2Click on “Protection from viruses and threats.

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Step 3: Click Options scan.

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Step 4: Select Quick Scan and press Scan now.

4 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

And here you are. It will begin. Quick Scan It will immediately scan your system and will usually take a minute or two to scan your system.

This scanning option is useful if you want to scan your computer. However, what if you want Windows Defender to perform a deep scan of your computer and look for malware? There's an option there too. Follow along.

2. Perform a full Windows Defender scan using PowerShell

It's highly recommended to scan your computer at least once a week. The full scan option in Windows Defender delves into your system files and programs to search for malware. Here's how to find a full scan in Windows Defender.

Step 1: Click on Windows key, And type PowerShell , and tap "Run as administrator".

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9 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

Step 2: Type the following command to start a full malware scan and press OK. Enter.

start-mpscan -scantype fullscan

10 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

That's it! Sit back and relax. Depending on the amount and type of data to be scanned, a full scan may take some time to complete.

3. How to run a custom Windows Defender scan from File Explorer

As the name suggests, the Windows Defender Scan option allows you to quickly scan a specific file or folder on your computer. Yes, you can scan a thumb drive, external hard drive, and so on without the need for third-party software.

There are two ways to enable a custom scan: one through Windows Security settings, and the other through File Explorer. We'll use the latter option to run a custom scan. Here's how.

Step 1: Click on Windows key , And type File Explorer And press Enter.

5 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

Step 2: Find and select the file/folder you want to scan, right-click on the file and select “Show more options.”

Note: You can select multiple files using the CTRL/Shift key.

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Step 3: Now, select “Scan with Microsoft Defender.”

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That's it! Windows Defender will begin scanning. Since these are just files/folders, it should be quick enough to scan them, provided there aren't many to scan.

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4. Windows Defender Offline Scan

Malware is getting smarter every day, and so is Windows Defender. Some malware is difficult to find, let alone remove from your computer. For malware like this, you have Windows Defender Offline Scan, which uses up-to-date threat definitions to remove even the most difficult viruses to remove.

This scan mode will restart your computer and take about 15 minutes or so to complete the scan.

Step 1: Click on Windows key And type Windows Security And press Enter.

1 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

Step 2: Click “Protection from viruses and threats.”

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Step 3: Now, click Scan options.

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Step 4: Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Offline Scan) and press the button Scan now.

11 Ways to Scan for Malware Using Windows Defender Scan

With this, your computer will restart, and Windows Defender Offline will load and perform a quick scan of your computer. Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). When the scan is complete, your computer will automatically restart.

Questions and Answers about Windows Defender

1. Is Windows Defender enough today?

There's no doubt that Microsoft Defender is an excellent choice for any type of user because it actively searches for malware on your computer.

2. How does Microsoft Defender work?

Microsoft Defender checks the files and apps you download and install, as well as files already on your system, for malware that could harm your device.

Detect and remove malware from your computer

Microsoft has made Windows security settings so easy that anyone and everyone can find malware using Windows Defender Scan. Now that you've learned how to use Windows Defender Scan, it's a good idea to know some basics. Tips and Tricks for Defender To develop your game.