This post shows students and new users how to scan for and remove malware and viruses in Windows 11.
If you begin experiencing unexpected slowness, programs starting up automatically, or pop-up messages showing up constantly on your PC, it may be a sign of a virus or malware. You may be able to resolve these issues by making sure your PC is regularly updated and running antimalware and antivirus software.
Antivirus and antimalware software can scan for viruses and other malicious programs on your PC. The good thing is that Windows 11 has a built-in antivirus program, Microsoft Defender, which helps you eliminate malicious software.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans your computer regularly to protect your device from viruses and malware. The scan takes place while your computer is not being used or idle so as not to interfere with your work. However, your PC can still become infected even if you take precautions and do everything right.
In that case, you can manually scan viruses and other unwanted programs.
Microsoft Defender will automatically disable itself if you’re using another third-party antivirus program. If you don’t have another antivirus installed, Microsoft Defender will automatically turn on and help to stop threats or minimize their effects on your computer.
To scan for viruses and malware, follow the steps below:
How to scan for viruses in Windows 11
Windows Defender will be your only protection if you’re running Windows 11 without third-party antivirus software installed. To scan for viruses, follow the guide below.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.
To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:
Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar to search for Settings. Then select to open it.
Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Privacy & Security, and select Windows Security on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.
On the Windows Security setting pane, click the “Open Windows Security” button as highlighted below,
When you open Windows Defender, ensure the dashboard looks similar to the one below, with no section needing your attention. If any section has a red x or warning, address these quickly to protect your computer.
Below is a screenshot of how Microsoft Defender looks when it’s healthy.
Once Microsoft Defender opens, select Virus & threat protection, then select Protection Updates under Virus & threat protection updates.
On the Protection updates screen, select Check for Updates to ensure you have the most recent updates.
Go back to Virus & threat protection, then select Quick Scan.
Wait for Windows Security to finish scanning for viruses and malware.
How to run an advanced scan with Microsoft Defender
If the quick scan doesn’t find any viruses or malware, you can choose to run the advanced scan. This scan takes longer but searches more extensively for threats on your PC.
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & Security> Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
Under Current threats, select Scan options.
Select one of the scan options:
Full scan (check files and programs currently running on your device)
Custom scan (scan specific files or folders)
Microsoft Defender Offline scan (run this scan if your device has been, or could potentially be, infected by a virus or malware).
Select Scan Now.
How to schedule Microsoft Defender scan
To schedule the Microsoft Defender Antivirus program to only scan your computer at the time and frequency you choose, click Start => then search for Task Scheduler.
Select Task Scheduler from the result listed on the menu.
When Schedule Tasks opens, in the left pane, expand Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows, and then scroll down and double-click (or press) the Windows Defender folder.
Double-click (or press twice) Microsoft Defender Scheduled Scan in the top center pane.
This should open the task properties. In the Microsoft Defender Scheduled Scan Properties (Local Computer) window, select the Triggers tab, go to the bottom of the window, and then tap or click New.
On the task setting pane, specify how often you want the scans to run and when you’d like them to start. This should always run at the exact time you define here. But your computer must be powered on and running for this to work.
If your computer is shutdown, this task will fail to run
The trigger above runs daily at midnight and stops the task if it runs for more than 2 hours. You can configure more advanced settings, such as repeating every 1, 4, or 8 hours. You can also delay the task randomly. But the basic settings should work fine.
Conclusion:
- Regularly scan your Windows 11 device to detect and remove malware and viruses.
- Utilize Microsoft Defender as your primary antivirus solution if no third-party software is installed.
- Keep protection updates current to enhance safety against evolving threats.
- Perform quick and advanced scans periodically for a thorough system examination.
- Consider scheduling scans to automate the process and maintain consistent protection.
- Stay vigilant for signs of malware and take action immediately if issues arise to safeguard your computer’s performance and data.
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