Scan Your Device for Malware in Windows 11 & 10 [2026 Guide]

Malware is one of the biggest threats to any Windows computer. It can slow down your PC, steal personal information, display unwanted advertisements, corrupt files, or even give hackers access to your device. Malware comes in many forms, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, worms, Trojans, and adware. Even if your computer appears to be working normally, harmful software can sometimes run quietly in the background without showing obvious signs.

Fortunately, both Windows 11 and Windows 10 include Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which provides reliable protection against many types of malware. Along with regular scans, Windows also offers advanced scanning options that can detect and remove hidden threats before they cause serious damage.

In this guide, you will learn how to scan your device for malware in Windows 11 and Windows 10, understand the different scan types, and safely remove malicious software from your computer.

Scan Your Device for Malware in Windows 11 & 10

Scanning your Windows computer for malware is a straightforward process. Microsoft Defender is already included with Windows, so you do not need to install additional antivirus software unless you prefer another security solution. Follow the steps below to perform a complete malware scan.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

The first step is to access Windows Security, which is Microsoft’s security dashboard. This application lets you monitor your computer’s protection status, manage antivirus settings, and perform malware scans.

Begin by clicking the Start button on your desktop. In the search box, type Windows Security. When the application appears in the search results, click it to open the program.

You can also open Windows Security through Settings. Open Settings, select Privacy & Security in Windows 11 or Update & Security in Windows 10, and then choose Windows Security. Click Open Windows Security to launch the security dashboard.

Once the application opens, you will see several security categories, including Virus & Threat Protection, Firewall & Network Protection, App & Browser Control, Device Security, and Account Protection. These sections work together to keep your computer protected from different security risks.

Before running a scan, make sure there are no warning messages indicating that antivirus protection has been turned off. If Microsoft Defender is disabled because another antivirus program is installed, use that antivirus software instead to perform the malware scan.

Step 2: Open Virus & Threat Protection

Inside Windows Security, click Virus & Threat Protection. This section contains everything related to malware detection and removal.

The page displays your current protection status, recent scan history, virus definition updates, and available scan options. If Windows has detected any recent threats, you may see notifications explaining what actions have already been taken.

Take a moment to verify that your Virus & Threat Protection shows a green check mark or another message indicating your device is protected. If Windows recommends updating your antivirus definitions, complete the update before starting the scan. Updated virus definitions help Microsoft Defender recognize the latest malware threats.

If the page shows any pending security actions, complete those first before continuing with a full system scan.

Step 3: Choose the Right Scan Type

Click Scan options to view the available malware scanning methods.

Windows offers several scan types, each designed for a different situation.

A Quick Scan checks the areas where malware is most commonly found. This scan usually finishes within a few minutes and is useful for regular security checks.

A Full Scan examines every file, folder, application, and storage drive connected to your computer. Since it checks your entire system, it may take anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours depending on your storage size and the number of files.

A Custom Scan allows you to select a specific folder or drive if you only want to inspect a certain location.

A Microsoft Defender Offline Scan restarts your computer and scans for deeply hidden malware before Windows fully loads. This option is especially helpful for removing stubborn threats that cannot be deleted while Windows is running.

For most users, selecting Full Scan provides the most complete protection because it thoroughly examines the entire computer.

Step 4: Start the Malware Scan

After selecting your preferred scan type, click Scan Now.

Microsoft Defender will immediately begin examining your computer for suspicious files and harmful software. During the scan, you can continue using your PC, although the system may run slightly slower because antivirus software is actively checking files.

The scan window displays the number of files examined, the current progress, and any detected threats. Avoid shutting down your computer while the scan is running. Interrupting the scan may prevent it from completing successfully.

If you are performing a Full Scan, be patient. Large hard drives containing many files naturally require more time to finish.

Once the scan completes, Windows will display the results. If no threats are found, you will receive a message confirming that your device is clean.

Step 5: Review Scan Results Carefully

When the scan finishes, carefully review the results provided by Microsoft Defender.

If Windows reports that no threats were found, your computer is currently free from known malware based on the latest virus definitions.

If suspicious files are detected, Microsoft Defender will list each threat along with its severity level and recommended action. Common actions include Quarantine, Remove, or Allow.

In most situations, you should accept Microsoft’s recommended action. Quarantined files are isolated from the rest of your computer so they cannot cause harm. If necessary, you can review quarantined files later through Windows Security.

Avoid allowing suspicious files unless you are certain they are safe. Accidentally restoring malware can put your entire computer at risk.

Step 6: Update Microsoft Defender Security Intelligence

Even if your scan finds no malware, keeping your antivirus definitions updated is extremely important.

Inside Virus & Threat Protection, locate Protection Updates and click Check for Updates.

Windows will download the newest Security Intelligence Updates, which include information about recently discovered viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious software.

Cybercriminals constantly create new malware, so regular updates improve your computer’s ability to detect the latest threats.

Many Windows devices update automatically, but manually checking for updates before running a scan ensures you have the newest protection available.

Step 7: Schedule Regular Malware Scans

Scanning your computer only once is not enough. Malware can appear at any time through email attachments, downloaded files, infected USB drives, or unsafe websites.

Make it a habit to perform a Quick Scan every few days and a Full Scan at least once each month. If you frequently download software or browse unfamiliar websites, consider running scans more often.

Regular scanning helps detect problems early before malware spreads throughout your system or damages important files.

Keeping Real-Time Protection enabled also allows Microsoft Defender to monitor your computer continuously, blocking many threats before they can infect your device.

Remove Malware from Your Windows 11 & 10 Device

If Microsoft Defender detects malware during the scan, removing it is usually simple.

Open Windows Security and navigate to Virus & Threat Protection. Under the Current Threats section, review the detected items. Windows will recommend an action for each threat. In most cases, selecting Remove or Quarantine is the safest choice.

After removing the malware, restart your computer if prompted. Some infections cannot be fully removed until Windows restarts.

If the same malware continues to appear after multiple scans, perform a Microsoft Defender Offline Scan. This scan runs before Windows loads, making it much more effective against deeply embedded malware.

You should also uninstall recently installed programs that you do not recognize, especially if malware appeared shortly after installing new software. Open Settings, navigate to Apps, review your installed applications, and remove anything suspicious.

Next, check your web browsers for unknown extensions. Harmful browser extensions can display unwanted advertisements, redirect searches, or collect personal information. Remove any extensions that you did not intentionally install.

Updating Windows is another important step. Security updates often include fixes that prevent malware from exploiting known vulnerabilities. Open Windows Update and install any available updates before continuing to use your computer.

If your computer still behaves unusually after removing malware, perform another Full Scan or use the Microsoft Defender Offline Scan to verify that no hidden infections remain.

FAQs

Do Windows 11 and Windows 10 include antivirus protection?

Yes. Both operating systems include Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which provides real-time protection, malware scanning, ransomware protection, and other security features without requiring additional software.

Which scan should I choose?

A Quick Scan is suitable for routine checks, while a Full Scan provides the most complete examination of your computer. If malware is difficult to remove, use the Microsoft Defender Offline Scan.

How long does a Full Scan take?

The scan time depends on your computer’s storage capacity and the number of files. It may take anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours.

Can I use my computer while the scan is running?

Yes. You can continue using your PC during the scan, although some tasks may feel slower because Microsoft Defender is checking files in the background.

What happens to infected files?

Microsoft Defender usually places harmful files into Quarantine or removes them completely, depending on the threat and Microsoft’s recommendations.

How often should I scan my computer?

Running a Quick Scan every few days and a Full Scan at least once each month is recommended. You should also scan your device after downloading unknown files or if you notice unusual computer behavior.

Is Microsoft Defender enough to protect my computer?

For most home users, Microsoft Defender Antivirus provides strong protection when combined with regular Windows updates, safe browsing habits, and routine malware scans.

Summary

Learning how to scan your device for malware in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is an important part of keeping your computer secure. Using Windows Security and Microsoft Defender Antivirus, you can quickly check your system for viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software without installing additional security tools.

Regularly performing Quick Scans and Full Scans, updating your antivirus definitions, enabling Real Time Protection, and installing the latest Windows updates all work together to protect your computer from evolving threats. If malware is detected, follow Microsoft’s recommended removal actions and use Microsoft Defender Offline Scan whenever a stubborn infection refuses to go away.

By making malware scanning a regular habit, you can keep your Windows computer running smoothly, protect your personal information, and reduce the risk of security problems in the future.