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Microsoft Defender How to Remove a Virus That Was Found

Anonymous
2023-09-19T16:08:39+00:00

I recently just switched to Defender and having trouble trying to delete the files that it identifies as a virus.

On one scan, within the box identifying the file there is a "V" to access more options. I was able to check 'remove' there and proceed. However, when I manually reviewed whether the file had been removed from my external drive, it was still there. So I manually deleted it from the drive and emptied the Recycle Bin.

On another computer, scan identifies files that are a virus, but unable to find how to delete them within Defender. When I click on the same "V" for more information, Defender asks if I want this app to make changes to my computer. No option to delete or take no action.

Can someone explain please?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. DaveM121 867.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-09-19T16:40:05+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Open File Explorer, then on the View menu at the top, temporarily turn on 'Hidden Items'.

    Navigate to this folder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service

    Delete the contents of that Service folder.

    Navigate to this folder:

    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Quarantine

    Delete the contents of that Quarantine folder.

    Close File Explorer.

    Open Defender and select the option to perform an offline scan, your PC will restart to perform that scan.

    Then check if that malware list is clear.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. DaveM121 867.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-09-19T17:45:44+00:00

    Click your Start Button and just type Event, and from the resulting list open the Event Viewer

    In the left pane, go to Application and Service Logs - Windows - Windows Defender

    In the left pane, click Operational

    On the right, click Clear Log, then select Clear

    Restart your PC and check if that has cleared the list in Defender.

    Then run a full offline scan.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-09-19T17:40:50+00:00

    DaveM121, thank you for your response. However, I've run into a another issue that I'm unable to solve. I'm being denied access because of permissions. Sadly, following the instructions given, aren't clear enough for me OR they don't work because I can't perform administrator duties on a private computer.

    The SCAN folder needs more rights from me and it points me to the security tab of the SCAN folder.

    From there it points me to ADVANCED

    and the next screen I'm left to know what to do, but I don't.

    The access denial is a problem. This isn't the first time I'm denied access and not knowing how to correct it.

    Oh, btw, the "QUARANTINE" also needs more permissions

    Can you help with this issue or is there another forum where this goes?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. DaveM121 867.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-09-20T06:24:52+00:00

    The options in Defender can vary sometimes depending on whether Defender automatically deleted the file or was able to remove the malware code from the infected file or if it was quarantined automatically.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2023-09-19T19:04:26+00:00

    Thanks again DaveM121,

    that worked. however one of my main questions is still open.

    When Defender finds a virus file, and I click on the "V" for any options, why did I get one time the option to remove the file, but on a later scan with different virus file I was offered what seemed like an exception to allow the file to make changes? No option to delete or do nothing.

    The above happened on my laptop. I will rescan the drive as soon as I logoff this desktop, just to see if anything changes.

    I could be mis-reading the prompts but I'm not taking any chances, so I cancel the option until I can get some clarity.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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