How to run a virus scan with Windows Security

Windows comes with free protection called Windows Security. It checks your laptop for viruses and other unwanted software, and it runs by itself, but you can also run a scan whenever you are worried.

Quick fixes to try first

• Make sure you are using the real Windows Security, which you open from the Start menu. Ignore pop-ups in a web browser claiming that you have a virus.
• Install any waiting updates, as they keep the protection up to date.
• Save your work. A scan can slow the laptop a little.

Step by step

1. Click Start, type Windows Security and press Enter.
2. Check the first screen. Green ticks mean all is well. A yellow or red mark means action is needed. Click it to see the suggested fix.
3. Choose Virus & threat protection.
4. Click Quick scan. It checks the common places and usually takes a few minutes.
5. When it finishes, it tells you whether it found anything. If it did, click Start actions or Clean threats and follow the advice.
6. For a deeper check, click Scan options, choose Full scan, then Scan now. This takes longer, so do it when you are not busy.

If that did not work

• If you suspect something is hiding, in Scan options choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan. It restarts the laptop and checks before Windows loads, so save your work first.
• If the protection is turned off, switch it back on. Do not disable it, even for a moment.
• If you have other security software, it may be managing protection instead.

When to get more help

Stop and email us if the scan finds threats that keep returning, you cannot switch protection on, Windows Security will not open, or you have entered passwords or card details into a suspicious site. Change your passwords from a different, safe device in that case. Tell us any messages shown.