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How to scan an external hard drive for malware using Windows Security?

Karen Banks 0 Reputation points
2025-09-01T19:53:50.63+00:00

A newbie here to Windows Security. After needing to have my computer wiped clean by Geek Squad due to something called a RAT TROJAN.MSIL infection, I want to be extra careful about my security settings going forward.

I was told I needed to scan my external hard drives for suspicious files before opening any files, but I can't figure out how to do that. I looked on Reddit, but their instructions were too complicated for me to understand.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Rodrigo Queiroz 78,005 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-01T20:51:23.1866667+00:00

    Hi, I'm Rodrigo and I will help you.
    To scan external driver with Windows Security, open the File Explorer, Right-click the drive and select "Scan with Microsoft Defender".
    It will open Windows Security with the Custom Scan option selected.

    or

    Open Windows Security from the Start Menu > Virus & threat Protection > Scan Options > Select Custom scan.

    In both cases, select "Scan Now" > it will open a window to select the location you want to scan, select the drive and select "Select Folder" and it will start scanning.

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