


Microsoft Defender Offline scan: Only use this scan if you think your PC has been infected by malware or viruses.Custom scan: Custom scans only scan specific folders or files.Full scan: This scan checks all of the files and programs running on your PC.Just launch the This PC app, right-click on the drive you want to scan, and select Scan With Microsoft Defender. The same steps apply if you want to scan an entire drive, for example, the local disk C: where your program files can be found. If you want to scan for malware in a specific file or folder: If you’re set with Windows Defender, here’s how to scan for malware. Red: Something needs immediate attention.Yellow: There is a safety recommendation.Green: The PC is protected and Microsoft has no recommended actions.Just like a traffic light, Microsoft shows status icons that indicate safety levels. Click on Virus & Threat Protection Settings.įYI: When you turn off Windows Defender, scheduled scans will still run, but files you download or install won’t be scanned until the next scheduled scan.If you ever need to turn off Windows Defender - for example, to install third-party antivirus software - here’s the easiest way to do so. Either way, it’s best to leave the Windows Defender Antivirus always working. Windows updates sometimes cause the service to turn off, or maybe you had to turn it off (and forgot to turn it back on) while installing a new program.


What Comes With Windows Defender Antivirus?Īlthough we recommend getting third-party antivirus software, Windows Defender Antivirus offers basic protection against malware.
