Running a malware scan on Windows 11 is kind of obvious but also surprisingly easy to overlook. Everyone knows they should do it, but then life gets busy or the scans are slow or intrusive, so it’s easy to ignore. Still, it’s a must if you want to keep malware out of your system and avoid weird popups, sluggish behavior, or worse. This guide breaks down how to do a quick and basic scan with Windows Security — which is usually enough for everyday stuff — and some tips to stay safe in the long run. If you follow these steps, you’ll get a decent sense of whether your PC is clean or if something needs a deeper look.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Run a Malware Scan on Windows 11
Because Windows Security is built-in and fairly straightforward, it’s usually the first thing to try. On one machine, I’ve found it sometimes takes a couple of tries to get it working right, especially after a Windows update, but generally it’s solid enough. The goal here is just to uncover any sneaky malware or suspicious files that might have slipped in. Expect a quick check, no extra fuss, no third-party tools needed—unless you want to get really thorough later. It’s not perfect, but for most users, it’s fast and gets the job done.
Open Windows Security from the Start menu
- Click on the Start button or press Windows key.
- Type “Windows Security” and select it from the search results. If it’s missing or not working, check if it’s enabled under Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
Once that’s open, you’re looking for the virus and threat protection stuff — it’s like the main dashboard of your security setup in Windows. If the app refuses to open or is missing, it might be turned off or corrupted. In that case, a repair via Windows Update or running the sfc /scannow command in PowerShell might be necessary. But most of the time, it’s just there.
Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection
- Inside Windows Security, click on Virus & threat protection.
- If you see any alerts or blocked files, that’s a sign your system has caught something or is trying to. Otherwise, it’s good to go.
This section is where Microsoft keeps the watchful eyes. You’ll find options to initiate different kinds of scans, plus view recent threats or scan history — which is handy if you’ve been suspicious of some weird behavior lately.
Start a Quick Scan
- Click on the Quick Scan button—usually a big blue face or button in the window.
Quick Scan is kind of like dart-throwing at the most obvious spots. It checks common places where malware tends to hide — system folders, startup areas, browser caches, etc. This shouldn’t take long; usually five to ten minutes tops. On some setups, it might feel like it freezes or hangs for a little—sometimes Windows Security isn’t perfect in the background, but don’t panic just yet. Just give it a bit more time or restart and try again if it gets stuck.
Let the scan run and wait for the results
- If Windows Security prompts you with threats or suspicious files, follow the on-screen options to quarantine or remove them.
- Sometimes, it just says “No threats found, ” and that’s pretty good news.
Another weird thing — if malware was found, expect options like “Remove” or “Quarantine” directly in the window. Not sure why, but sometimes Windows needs a restart or a second scan after cleaning. On one machine, it took two runs to fully clear up a stubborn infection. So, don’t be surprised if you have to repeat the process or run a full scan later.
Do a Full Scan if you suspect something’s really wrong
- Go back to Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Run a new advanced scan.
- Select Full scan from the options and hit Scan now.
This can take an hour or more, depending on your drive size and CPU. But it’s more thorough — checks everything on your disk, not just the usual spots. Use it if the quick scan gives you a warning or if suspicious activity persists.
Tips for Running a Malware Scan on Windows 11
- Schedule weekly or bi-weekly scans in Windows Security settings, so it runs automatically. That way, you don’t forget or procrastinate.
- Keep Windows updated — it sounds obvious, but updates often patch vulnerabilities that malware exploits.
- Occasionally run full scans manually, especially after installing new software or downloading files from sketchy sources.
- Enable “Real-time protection” (it’s usually on by default).That way, Windows tries to catch threats before they get deep in the system, not just during scans.
- Consider an extra layer of security with a reputable third-party antivirus if you’re paranoid or doing risky browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a malware scan be done on Windows 11?
Once a week is a solid routine, especially if you’re surfing a lot or using risky sites. If you visit shady websites or handle sensitive info, maybe more often.
Can I just rely on Windows Security, or should I get third-party software?
Windows Security alone is decent, but if you’re very cautious or work with important data, adding a well-reviewed antivirus like Malwarebytes or Norton isn’t a bad idea. Just avoid running multiple real-time scanners at once, or they’ll fight each other.
What if the scan finds malware? What’s next?
Follow whatever options Windows Security suggests—quarantine, remove, or block. If it can’t get rid of everything, try running in Safe Mode or using tools like AdwCleaner for extra cleanup. Sometimes, malware is stubborn and needs special treatment.
Is Quick Scan enough, or do I have to do full scans all the time?
Quick scans are fine for daily checks. Full scans are more thorough and should be run periodically—say once a month—especially if you notice odd behavior or ads popping up unexpectedly.
Will running scans slow down my PC?
Yeah, during the scan, you might see some slowdown or lag, especially on older or low-spec machines. But usually, it’s manageable. Just plan to run scans during downtime if possible.
Summary of Steps
- Fire up Windows Security via Start > type “Windows Security”.
- Head to Virus & threat protection.
- Click Quick Scan and watch Windows do its thing.
- Wait and check the results for threats.
- If needed, run a full scan or follow remediation steps.
Wrap-up
Honestly, running a malware scan isn’t the most exciting task, but it’s one of those essentials that can save headaches later. Windows Security is usually enough for most casual users, but don’t forget to stay updated and consider extra tools if you’re really cautious. If malware sneaks in, a quick scan can usually catch it — and if not, there are sometimes deeper tools needed. Just remember, no solution is foolproof, but doing regular scans definitely helps keep the bad stuff at bay.