How to Run Windows Defender Scan on Windows 11

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Windows 11 has brought a host of new features and an updated interface to the Windows operating system. Among its many enhancements, security remains a top priority, with Windows Defender—also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus—leading the charge in protecting users from malware, viruses, and other threats. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to run a Windows Defender scan on Windows 11, ensuring that your system remains safe and secure.

Understanding Windows Defender

Before we dive into the scanning process, it’s crucial to understand what Windows Defender is and how it operates. Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software that comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It provides real-time protection, heuristic security measures, and regular updates to keep your system safe from evolving threats.

Key Features of Windows Defender


  • Real-Time Protection

    : This feature constantly monitors your system for any suspicious activity and will take action automatically when threats are detected.

  • Periodic Scans

    : In addition to real-time protection, Windows Defender performs periodic scans of your system to detect malware or vulnerabilities that might have slipped through.

  • Cloud Protection

    : It can access Microsoft’s cloud to provide enhanced detection capabilities, leveraging the vast troves of data Microsoft collects on malware and other threats.

  • Firewall and Network Protection

    : This is aimed at keeping threats at bay by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic.

Benefits of Using Windows Defender


  • Integrated Solution

    : Being built into the operating system means it requires no additional installation.

  • Cost-Effective

    : It’s free, making it an accessible option for all Windows users.

  • User-Friendly

    : Designed for ease of use, it integrates well into the Windows environment, making it straightforward for users to navigate.

  • Regular Updates

    : Microsoft frequently updates Windows Defender to ensure it has the latest threat definitions.

Types of Scans in Windows Defender

When you open Windows Defender, you will find several types of scans available:

How to Access Windows Defender

To run a scan, you first need to access Windows Defender. Here’s how to do it:


Using the Start Menu

:

  • Click on the

    Start

    button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
  • Type “Windows Security” in the search bar and hit

    Enter

    .
  • This opens the Windows Security app.


Via Settings

:

  • Right-click the

    Start

    button and select

    Settings

    (or press

    Windows + I

    ).
  • Go to

    Privacy & security

    in the sidebar.
  • Click on

    Windows Security

    .


Using the Taskbar

:

  • Click the

    Start

    button.
  • Select

    All apps

    .
  • Find the

    Windows System

    folder, and under it will be

    Windows Security

    .

Running a Scan

Once you have the Windows Security application open, follow the steps below to perform a scan:

Running a Quick Scan

Conducting a Full Scan

Performing a Custom Scan

Running an Offline Scan

Interpreting Scan Results

After the scan is complete, Windows Defender will present you with a summary of the results:


  • No threats found

    : This message indicates that your system is secure.

  • Threats found

    : If malware or other issues were detected, you will see details of the threats identified. Options will appear concerning what actions to take, typically

    Quarantine

    or

    Remove

    .

Actions Post-Scan

Based on the scan results, you may choose to:


  • Quarantine

    : This isolates the detected threats, preventing them from executing on your system until you decide what to do with them.

  • Remove

    : Permanently deletes the identified threats from your system.

  • Allow

    : If you believe a detected file is safe (either a false positive or a necessary program), you can choose to allow it and prevent future alerts for that item.

Keeping Windows Defender Up to Date

For optimal protection, it’s important to ensure that Windows Defender is up to date. Windows Defender updates automatically via Windows Update, but you can also manually check for updates:

Scheduling Regular Scans

While running manual scans is important, scheduling regular scans can automate your security measures:

You can set up a task using the

Task Scheduler

in Windows:

Additional Security Measures Complementing Windows Defender

While Windows Defender offers excellent protection, consider implementing additional security measures:

Enabling Firewall Protection

Windows Defender’s firewall helps protect against unauthorized access to your computer. Ensure that it is active:

Keeping Your OS Updated

An updated operating system is vital for security. Regularly check for Windows updates through the Settings app.

Using Safe Browsing Tools

Consider using browsers that offer built-in security features or utilize extensions that boost your security while browsing.

Educating Yourself About Phishing Scams

Stay informed about common phishing tactics, which can compromise even the best security software.

Conclusion

Running scans with Windows Defender is a straightforward and essential aspect of maintaining a secure Windows 11 environment. With easy access to scanning options, clear results interpretation, and the potential for automation through scheduled tasks, Windows Defender equips users to tackle security threats effectively. Furthermore, combining Windows Defender with additional security measures enhances your system’s defense against malware and other cyber threats. Through diligence and education, you can leverage technology for a safer digital experience on your Windows 11 device, securing both your data and your peace of mind.

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