How do I Run a Virus Scan on my Computer?

Microsoft Windows provides every system the protection it needs from new and evolving malware roaming out there with its Microsoft Security feature. It will automatically scan your system to detect and eradicate any virus or malware. However, sometimes you may doubt about a file or an application if it is safe to continue using it. In that case, you can perform manual scans with Microsoft Security to scan that particular file or application. So to get an answer to how do I run a virus scan on my computer, how to scan for viruses on Windows 7, and also to learn about Windows Defender quick scan vs full scan, read this guide till the very end.

How do I Run a Virus Scan on my Computer

How do I Run a Virus Scan on my Computer?

As Windows Security allows users to perform either QuickFull, or Windows Defender Offline Scan, we have drafted all three of these scan methods one by one. You can follow any of these scan methods to detect and eliminate malware from the system.

Note: It is recommended to back up your data into an external hard drive or on cloud storage to ensure data safety. Also, save all changes made to the currently open files before beginning the scan.

Option I: Run Quick Scan

With Quick scan, you can quickly search for viruses/malware on your Windows 7/10 PC in 10-15 minutes. The primary difference between Windows Defender quick scan vs full scan is that in quick scan only files & folders most likely to catch malware are searched whereas in full scan, a thorough check is done.

1. Hit Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.

2. Here, click on Update & Security, as shown.

Update and Security

3. Go to the Windows Security menu and click on Virus & threat protection as depicted below.

select the Virus and threat protection option under Protection areas

4. Click Quick scan button to quickly scan your PC for any malware.

click on Quick scan in Virus and threat protection menu. How to Fix .NET Runtime Optimization Service High CPU Usage

5. If there is any malware found then, click on Start actions to remove or block them and restart your PC.

All the threats will be enlisted here. Click on Start Actions under Current threats.

Also Read: Do You Need a Firewall for an Android Device?

Option II: Run Full Scan

With the full scan in Windows Security, you can scan all files and currently running programs on your hard disk to eliminate viruses. On the other hand, the quick scan does the scanning process in the folders where the threats are commonly found. This is the difference between Windows Defender quick scan vs full scan.

Note: A full scan will take at least a couple of hours to finish. A progress bar showing the estimated time remaining and the number of files scanned so far will be displayed. You can continue using your computer in the meanwhile.

1. Reach the Virus & threat protection tab with Steps 1-3 explained in Option I.

2. Click on Scan options in the right-pane.

Navigate to the Virus and threat protection tab and click on Scan options on the right pane. How to Fix Windows 10 Touchscreen Not Working

3. Select the Full Scan option and click the Scan now button to start the process.

Choose Full Scan in the following window and click the Scan Now button to start the process.

4. Once the scan is complete, any and all threats found will be listed. Immediately resolve them by clicking on the Start Actions button.

All the threats will be enlisted here. Click on Start Actions under Current threats.

Also Read: How to Disable Windows 10 Firewall

Option III: Run Microsoft Defender Offline Scan

Any malware present in the Windows computers can be fixed using the Windows Defender scan. It is essentially an in-built scanning tool that can get rid of difficult software viruses/malware in your system. 

1. Navigate to Virus & threat protection tab as earlier.

2. Click on Scan options in the right-pane.

Navigate to the Virus and threat protection tab and click on Scan options on the right pane. How to Fix Windows 10 Touchscreen Not Working

3. Here, click on Windows Defender Offline scan > Scan now.

Windows Defender Offline Scan under Virus and threat protection Scan Options Fix Command Prompt Appears then Disappears on Windows 10

4. Windows Defender will check for and remove malware present in your system, and your Windows PC will restart automatically.

5. Once the scan is over, you will be notified of the scan results. Additionally, all malware and/or viruses thus found, will be quarantined away from the system.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Q. How often should you run a virus scan on your computer?

Ans. It is recommended that you should do a virus scan on your system frequently to avoid any virus trespassing and further files and applications getting corrupt.

Recommended:

We hope you got the answer to how do I run a virus scan on my computer query. Keep visiting our site for more cool tips & tricks, and leave your comments below.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *