Guide to Performing a Full Virus Scan with Microsoft Defender on Windows 11

Key Notes

• Three methods to perform a full scan: Windows Security, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.
• Microsoft Defender helps protect against various types of malware.
• Manual scans are useful when the system performs slowly or to ensure total security.

Mastering Virus Scans in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide with Microsoft Defender

Windows 11 offers robust security through Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which constantly monitors your device’s health. Occasionally, however, it becomes essential to carry out a full virus scan to eliminate possible hidden threats. In this guide, we will navigate through the various methods available for running a comprehensive scan using Microsoft Defender on your Windows 11 machine.

Step 1: Run a Full Virus Scan on Windows 11

To begin your complete virus scan using the Windows Security app, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu on your Windows 11 device.

2. Type in Windows Security and select the application from the search results to open it.

3. Navigate to Virus & threat protection.

4. Under the Current threats section, click on Scan options

5. Select the Full scan option to comprehensively review your system for malware.

6. Finally, click on the Scan now button to initiate the scan.

Once the scan is underway, Microsoft Defender will check your system for threats and automatically handle any detected issues, either removing or quarantining harmful files.

Step 2: Run a Full Virus Scan from Command Prompt

To utilize Command Prompt for running a virus scan, adhere to these instructions:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Input the following command to navigate to the Microsoft Defender installation directory, then press Enter : cd C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\4*

4. Execute a full virus scan by entering the following command and pressing Enter : mpcmdrun -scan -scantype 2

Upon execution, you will see “Start scanning” notifications. The scan will conclude with a “Scan finished” message, confirming the process’s completion.

Step 3: Run a Full Virus Scan from PowerShell

For initiating a virus scan via PowerShell, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Start menu.

2. Enter PowerShell in the search box, right-click the top result, and choose Run as administrator.

3. Type the following command to start a comprehensive malware scan and press Enter : start-mpscan -scantype fullscan

After this command is executed, wait while Microsoft Defender carries out the full scan, removing any detected malware.

Additional Tips

• Enable periodic scanning alongside your third-party antivirus for enhanced security.
• Keep Microsoft Defender updated to benefit from the latest security definitions.
• Regularly schedule scans to maintain an optimal security posture.

Summary

Performing a full virus scan with Microsoft Defender on Windows 11 is crucial for maintaining a healthy system. This guide covered how to execute scans via the Windows Security app, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Each method is straightforward and ensures your device remains protected from malware threats.

Conclusion

Regularly conducting full virus scans using Microsoft Defender not only protects your device but also assures you that your system is in good health. Implement these methods and stay vigilant against potential threats to your Windows 11 environment.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)