Running security scan manually

Question

How do I manually run a security scan? I have a security problem with other scans trying to work on my computer. How do I manually run a security scan?

Answer 1

To manually run a security scan on Windows using Microsoft Defender, use the Windows Security app and choose the scan type needed.

1. Open Windows Security
   • Select Start and search for Windows Security, then open it.
2. Run a quick, full, or custom scan
   • Go to Virus & threat protection.
   • Select Scan options.
   • Choose one of:
     • Quick scan – Checks common locations where threats are found.
     • Full scan – Scans every file and program on the device.
     • Custom scan – Lets selection of specific files or folders to scan.
   • Select Scan now.
3. Run an offline scan (if malware is interfering with normal scans)
   • In Scan options, choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
   • Save any open work, then select Scan now.
   • The device restarts and runs Microsoft Defender Offline in the Windows Recovery Environment, performs a quick scan, then restarts back into Windows.
   • To see results afterward, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection history.
4. Manually scan a specific file or folder
   • In File Explorer, right‑click the file or folder.
   • Select Scan with Microsoft Defender.

If other tools or scans are causing problems, these built‑in Defender scans can be run independently at any time using the steps above.

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References:

• Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App
• Stay Protected With the Windows Security App
• Run and review the results of a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
• How to troubleshoot an error when you run the Microsoft Safety Scanner