Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus software for Windows computers. It helps protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Windows Defender will regularly scan your computer for any potential threats, helping to keep your computer safe and secure.
In order to scan your computer with Windows Defender, follow the instructions below:
1. Open the Start menu and type “Windows Security” into the search bar. Select the top result, “Windows Security,” to open the Windows Security window.
2. On the left side of the Windows Security window, click “Virus & threat protection.”
3. On the Virus & threat protection screen, select “Scan options.”
4. In the Scan options pane, there are several scan types, including “Full scan,” “Quick scan,” and “Custom scan.” To perform a full scan of your computer, select the “Full scan” option and then click “Scan now.” This will take the most time, but it is the most thorough scan available.
5. After you have selected the type of scan, a prompt will appear asking you to confirm the scan. Click “Start scan” to begin.
6. Windows Defender will now scan your computer for any potential threats. Depending on your system, this process may take anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour or more.
7. Once the scan is complete, Windows Defender will display the results, telling you if any threats were found and what action was taken to remove them.
If any potential threats were found and removed, it is recommended that you restart your computer in order to ensure that all malicious software has been completely removed. You can also re-run Windows Defender scans at any time if you suspect that your computer has become infected with malware.