Windows comes with a built-in security program that will help you scan your computer for malware. It's called Windows Security.
Windows Security used to be called Windows Defender Security Center. However, the app is very similar. Windows Defender can be searched in the Start menu to bring up Windows Security. Microsoft still refers to Windows Defender as its actual antivirus scanning.
Microsofts anti-malware software was once considered completely useless. However, independent testing has shown that it can outperform big names like Kaspersky or Avast (blocking 99.7% threats). Microsoft has been pushing Windows 11 security, even confusingly locking out older computers without certain hardware. Windows 11's software security is good, old-fashioned and simple.
You can search for Windows Security in the Start menu. It can also be accessed by clicking Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Security. This will provide a quick overview about your system status. To access the full app, you can click on the Open Windows Security button.
Here are some things you can do once you have it open.
Do a malware scan of Windows 11
Windows' built-in security system will automatically run in the background. It will attempt to block any malicious files from getting onto your computer. You can run manual scans if you wish to perform periodic spot checks.
Go to Windows Security > Malware & Threat Protection and click the Quick Scan button. You can also click on the Scan options button and select Full scan to run a deeper scan. This will take you longer, but it will verify all of your files.
Click the Start actions button if Windows detects malware.
If there is nothing found, the report will show you how long it took to scan, the number of files scanned and the time the scan occurred.
Windows Security always up-to-date
You can make Windows scan for viruses in the background by going to Windows Security > Viral & Threat Protection > Virus and threat settings. Make sure that the Real-time protection option has been turned on.
You can check that your computer is running the most recent antivirus definitions by going to Windows Security > Threat protection > Virus and threat protection settings. Make sure Cloud-delivered protection has been turned on.
Windows 11 will try to stay up-to-date. However, Windows 11 can be manually checked by going to Settings > Windows Update. This can be found at both the bottom left or top right. You can then click the Check for Updates button. To be taken to the Windows Update screen, you can also search the Start menu for check for updates.
You can also update apps you have installed from the Microsoft Store by opening the Microsoft Store and going to Library (on top left), then clicking on the Get Updates button.
Windows 10 is still available.
The process of running a virus scanner on Windows 10 will work in a similar way to Windows 11. You can use Windows Defender Security Center instead on older Windows 10 versions. However, the process for running a virus scan will remain the same once you open it.
What are the symptoms of my computer being infected?
There are many types of malware, but these are the most common ones that can affect your computer. It is possible that your browser homepage, search engine, and desktop wallpaper have all changed without you even realizing it. This could be a sign that you need to run the scan described above. You may also notice your computer becoming hotter than usual, or you are seeing notifications or popups that you haven't seen before.
Google has a wonderful video that explains some of the most common signs of malware.
Windows will alert you if it detects a threat
It is likely that Microsoft Security has already dealt with the threat if you receive a notification from it. It is worth checking the notification twice as malware, especially malicious web ads, may pretend to be antivirus notifications to get you click on them.
Windows Security notifications will look something like the one below. They will be in the upper right corner of your screen. They will disappear after they are gone. You can see them on the notification screen by clicking the clock icon in your taskbar.
Whitelisting a File
Anti-malware software will not always flag bad files, but it can sometimes make mistakes. You can retrieve a deleted file from Windows if you are certain that Windows made a mistake.
It is important to remember that just because someone has sent you a file, it does not necessarily mean that the file will be safe. Some malware can hijack emails and send copies of the files to all their contacts. It is a good idea not to open suspicious files from people you don't trust before you ask the person.
Trusted people might not always trust files
You can view and restore a file that Windows Security has incorrectly flagged. To do this, visit Windows Security > Virus protection > Protection history. Here you will find all threats Windows Security found along with their severity. Click on the entry to restore the file. To access the Allow button, click the Actions button.
The way the file was handled will determine what happens. Allowing it will allow it to be restored to your computer if its status is Quarantined. You will need to download it again if its status is removed. Microsoft Security won't stop you.
A list of all files that have been detected can be viewed by going to Windows Security > Threat protection > Allowed threats. You can then click on the file and click the Don't allow button.
Things can get very ugly
Sometimes, malware or viruses can fight back against you when you attempt to remove them. Windows offers an extra-strong version of its antivirus scanner to help with these situations. Go to Windows Security >Virus & Threat Protection > Scan options and click the Scan Now button. Your computer will then go into an extra-strength mode to run a scan. After the scan is complete, your computer will reboot and bring you back to Windows.
Malwarebytes is a free program that can be used to scan your computer for signs of infection. We at The Verge have been able to save our computers (and those of our family members) many times. Malwarebytes is a great idea as some malware can prevent you from installing additional security software.
It is possible to get help from an IT professional if your computer is locked up or you are receiving notifications saying that someone needs to pay to unlock it.
Anti-malware software from third-party vendors
Windows Security does a great job protecting your computer against viruses, malware and other harmful files. However, Windows Security is not perfect. For instance, Windows 11 doesn't have the built-in tools to protect you from email scams or scam ads on your web browser.
Anti-malware software is a great way to improve your Windows Security. A few reviews can help you get a better idea of what you need (and also what you don't need, such as programs that include crypto miners).
Microsoft claims that its built-in antivirus will automatically shut down if it detects another antivirus being installed or activated. Microsofts will turn on again automatically if you remove the anti-malware application.
