How to start a Windows Defender scan

This article will guide you through initiating a scan in Windows Defender
How to start a manual Windows Defender scan
  1. Click the Windows start button in the lower left corner of your screen


  2. Click the gear icon to open the Settings window


  3. In the left navigation menu, click the "Privacy & security" tab


  4. Click on the "Windows Security" tab


  5. Click the "Virus & Threat Protection" tab

  6. Click "Scan Options"


  7. Select the "Full Scan" radio button. Scroll down and click "Scan Now" to begin the scan


  8. You can minimize this window and let the scan run in the background. Don't turn off your computer while the scan is running. You should receive a notification when the scan is complete. You can navigate back to the menu in step 6 to see the date of the most recent scan


Keywords:
windows defender scan antivirus malware virus 
Doc ID:
107808
Owned by:
Jackson K. in MERIT
Created:
2020-12-14
Updated:
2026-08-10
Sites:
MERIT, School of Education