Microsoft Defender Offline Scan – The offline scan is used when malware is difficult to remove while the operating system, Windows 11, is active.Custom Scan – A custom scan can be set to target whatever folders you want.A full scan can takes hours depending on how much storage you have and how fast your computer is - you should probably wait and run a full scan when you won’t need your computer for a few hours. Full Scan – A full scan will scan every file and folder on your computer, the registry, all of your startup items, and can be configured to scan network-attached drives as well.Quick Scan – A quick scan checks your startup folders and the registry for viruses.Click “Scan Options” to reveal more choices. Then, click on “Virus & Threat Protection” to open the Windows Defender Antivirus window.Ī quick scan isn’t the only scan available to you, however. Click the Start button, type “Windows Security” into the search bar, and then hit Enter or click “Open.” You can also access Windows Defender Antivirus from the Start menu. Open Windows Defender Antivirus from the Start Menu If you have any security-related notifications it might have additional things, like a small yellow triangle.Ĭlick the icon to open Windows Security, then click on “Virus & Threat Protection.” Windows Security places an icon on the taskbar of every Windows 11 PC. There are a few ways to open Windows Security. Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and all of the scan options, are found within the Windows Security window. Here’s how you can use it to scan your PC. Microsoft Defender goes toe to toe with the best third-party antivirus available. Microsoft’s Antivirus software has come a long way since the days of Microsoft Security Essentials.

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