How to scan for malware with Microsoft Defender

Steps written for Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2, Windows 10 22H2.

1. 1

   Open Windows Security

   Select Start, type Windows Security and open the app.

2. 2

   Open Virus & threat protection

   Select Virus & threat protection. Under Current threats you see when the last scan ran, how long it took and how many files it checked.

3. 3

   Run a quick scan

   Select Quick scan. If Windows Security thinks a deeper scan is needed, it tells you when the quick scan is done.

   

4. 4

   Open Scan options

   If the quick scan finds nothing and you still suspect an infection, select Scan options under Current threats.

5. 5

   Run a full scan

   Select Full scan and start it. It checks every file and program on the device, so it takes much longer than a quick scan. Leave the PC on until it ends.

   

6. 6

   Or scan one folder

   To check only a download or a USB drive, select Custom scan in Scan options and choose the folder. You can also right-click a file or folder in File Explorer and select Scan with Microsoft Defender. On Windows 11 you may have to select Show more options first.

7. 7

   Read Protection history

   Go back to the first page of Windows Security and select Protection history. Select a card to expand it and see the details.