To run a Windows Defender scan on Windows 11, you primarily use the built-in Windows Security application, navigating to the "Virus & threat protection" section to initiate a scan.
How to Run a Windows Defender Scan on Windows 11
Windows Defender, now fully integrated into Windows Security, is your primary tool for protecting your Windows 11 device against malware and other threats. Running regular scans is crucial for maintaining your system's health and security.
Performing a Quick Scan
The quickest way to check for common threats is by performing a Quick scan. This scan targets areas where malware is most likely to be found.
- Open Windows Security:
- Click the Start button.
- Type "Windows Security" in the search bar and select the app from the results, or right-click the shield icon in the system tray (taskbar notification area) and select "View security dashboard."
- Navigate to Virus & threat protection:
- In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection" from the left-hand menu or the main dashboard.
- Initiate Quick Scan:
- Under the "Current threats" section (or below "Virus & threat protection updates"), click on the "Quick scan" button.
The scan will begin and display its progress. Once completed, it will show the results, indicating if any threats were found and dealt with.
Other Scan Options in Windows Security
While the Quick scan is convenient, Windows Security offers other scan types for more thorough or specific checks:
- Full Scan: This scan checks every file and running program on your hard drive. It's much more thorough than a Quick scan but can take several hours to complete, depending on the number of files and the speed of your system.
- Custom Scan: This option allows you to select specific files or folders to scan. It's useful if you suspect a particular file or external drive is infected.
- Microsoft Defender Offline Scan: This is a specialized scan that runs when your PC is not fully booted into Windows. It's particularly effective for detecting and removing rootkits or persistent malware that might be difficult to remove while the operating system is running.
How to Perform Other Scan Types
- Access Scan Options:
- Follow steps 1 and 2 for a Quick Scan (Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection).
- Under the "Current threats" section, click on "Scan options" (located just below the "Quick scan" button).
- Choose Your Scan Type:
- Full scan: Select "Full scan" and then click "Scan now".
- Custom scan: Select "Custom scan" and click "Scan now". A prompt will appear asking you to select the files or folders you wish to scan.
- Microsoft Defender Offline scan: Select "Microsoft Defender Offline scan" and click "Scan now". Your PC will restart and perform the scan before booting back into Windows.
When to Scan Your System
Regular scans are vital for maintaining a secure system.
- Daily/Weekly Quick Scans: Recommended for routine checks due to their speed and efficiency.
- Monthly Full Scans: Ideal for a deeper dive into your system's integrity.
- After Downloading Suspicious Files: Use a Custom Scan on the downloaded file/folder.
- If You Notice Suspicious Behavior: A Full Scan or, for persistent issues, an Offline Scan is recommended.
| Scan Type | Purpose | Duration | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Scan | Checks common locations for malware (e.g., memory, startup files). | Short (minutes) | Regular routine check (daily/weekly). |
| Full Scan | Scans all files and running programs on your hard drive. | Long (hours) | Monthly comprehensive check, or when you suspect a deep infection. |
| Custom Scan | Scans specific files or folders chosen by the user. | Varies (minutes-hours) | When you suspect a specific file/folder, or scanning external drives. |
| Microsoft Defender Offline Scan | Runs before Windows fully loads, effective against rootkits. | Moderate (15-20 min) | For persistent, hard-to-remove malware or rootkits. Requires a PC restart. |
By utilizing the various scan options within Windows Security, you can effectively protect your Windows 11 device from a wide array of cyber threats.
