Running a virus scan on Windows 11 is pretty easy, but sometimes it’s not as straightforward as you’d think. You might wonder if your PC’s actually protected or if malware is lurking somewhere. Luckily, Windows Security (used to be called Windows Defender) makes it quick and simple to scan for nasties. Doing a quick scan every week or so helps catch any trouble before it causes a pain. The idea is to keep everything tidy, especially if you’ve just downloaded something dodgy or if your PC’s acting a bit weird.
How to Run a Virus Scan on Windows 11
Open Windows Security — that’s your first move
Start by clicking the Start menu and typing “Windows Security.” Hit Enter. On some setups, it opens straight away; on others, you might need to wait a sec. Once inside, you’re in the command centre for your security stuff. This is where all the magic happens for scans.
Go to Virus & Threat Protection — your main spot
In Windows Security, click on Virus & threat protection. It’s the section with the shield icon. Usually, it’ll open up straight away, showing any threats found and options for scanning. If not, find it in the side menu. This is where you’ll pick your scan type.
Start a Quick Scan — quick and easy for a regular check
Click on the Quick scan button. It scans the most likely spots where malware hides — like temp folders, system files, and common problem areas. It usually takes just a few minutes. Some reckon it’s not thorough enough, but for a quick check, it’s pretty decent. You’ll see a progress bar, and once it’s done, you’ll get a quick update on what it found. Sometimes, on some machines, the scan stops for a sec mid-way—that’s normal, not a worry, unless you see an error.
Thinking about a Full Scan? Here’s when and why
If the quick scan flagged something dodgy, or if your PC’s acting really odd, it’s a good idea to run a full scan. Click on Scan options and select Full scan. This one checks every corner of your drive, so it takes longer—around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your setup. It’s a good backup move if you’re worried about a deeper infection or have downloaded files from sketchy sources.
After the scan — what you’ll see and what to do
When it’s all wrapped up, Windows Security will show you a report. It’ll tell you if threats were found or if everything’s champ. If malware shows up, it’ll give options to quarantine, remove, or sometimes even ignore if it’s a false alarm. Just follow the prompts—most of the time, Windows sorts it out automatically. If threats are removed, it’s wise to run another scan just to double-check. Sometimes, it’s like the scan picks up stuff after a restart, so don’t be surprised if you need to reboot your PC afterwards.
Tips for Staying Safe with Windows Security
- Keep Windows Security updated—head to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates regularly.
- Set up scheduled scans weekly—under Virus & threat protection > Manage Settings, you can turn on automatic scans.
- Keep real-time protection turned on to catch threats as they come.
- Scan external drives or USB sticks separately—right-click them and choose Scan with Windows Security.
- Always review scan results and act quickly if something’s amiss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a scan while doing other things?
Yep, you can, but it might slow things down, especially with a full scan. Windows Security runs in the background pretty well, but on a busy machine, you might notice a bit of lag.
Why’s the Full Scan taking so long?
It’s checking every file and folder, so it’s thorough but takes its time. Worth the wait if you’re worried about a deep infection.
Do I need to run scans every week?
Depends on your habits—if you’re clicking dodgy links or downloading sketchy files, more frequent scans are smart. Otherwise, once a week should do the trick.
What if Windows Security isn’t working right?
Sometimes, a quick restart helps, or check for updates. If it’s totally broken, you can reinstall or reset it via Settings > Apps & Features > Windows Security.
Summary
- Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
- Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
- Click Quick scan — or choose Full scan if you’re worried.
- Check the results and deal with any threats.
- Keep everything updated and run regular scans.
Wrap-up
Running a virus scan isn’t the most exciting thing, but it’s way better than dealing with malware down the track. Usually, it’s a few clicks and your PC gets a health check. If malware crops up, Windows Security handles it pretty well. Sometimes it’s a bit flaky, but doing regular scans is worth it—especially if you’ve been downloading things in a rush. Of course, the best defence is good habits and cautious browsing, but a quick scan here and there keeps the worst at bay.
Hopefully, this helps save you a few hours or at least puts your mind at ease. Stay safe out there!