Windows Defender is the native application of the Microsoft operating system so your users do not have to install an antivirus on the machine. Although it works as such, often its process is running, but the user does not realize since unlike conventional programs of the category, its interface is a bit more hidden.
In turn, scanning for viruses on your computer periodically is extremely important, and in Windows Defender, this process ends up getting a bit more hidden. Here’s how to manually scan viruses on your computer using Windows Defender in Windows 10.
Important
The process of scanning viruses with Windows Defender is very simple and does not require Windows 10 to be in a specific version. In addition, even if you have another antivirus installed on the machine, this process can still be executed.
How to scan for viruses with Windows Defender
Depending on the settings to be performed in Windows 10, the Windows Defender icon may not be in the system tray next to the clock. So, look at the path where, regardless of your settings, you can perform this scan.
- Press the “Win + I” keys to open the “Settings” screen of Windows 10 and enter “Update and Security”;
- On the new screen, click “Windows Defender”;
- Click “Open Windows Defender Security Center”;
- Now click on “Virus and Threat Protection”;
- You can now use the “Quick Scan” option, however, it is recommended that you enter “Advanced Scan”;
- Select the desired method and click “Check Now”.
By default, in Windows 10, this antivirus only automatically performs fast scanning, which is not the most effective protection method. Just as you may have noticed above, here you get three other verification methods, which are:
- Full Scan – Scans all files on disks and programs that are running. It ends up leaving the system slow while the process is being performed;
- Custom Scan – Only files or folders selected by you will be scanned;
- Checking Windows Defender Offline – Some less conventional viruses cannot be detected with Windows running. Windows Defender then restarts your machine and checks for this type of virus before starting the operating system.
Ready! Now, you already know how to perform a virus scan on your computer using Windows Defender.
If you need help, have doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below and we will try to help you as soon as possible!