Scan Your Computer
with Windows Security.
Windows includes built-in security tools that can scan your computer for viruses, malware, and other threats. This guide will show you how to run a scan using Windows Security.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to scan your computer using Windows Security.
Open Windows Security
Click the Start button and type Windows Security.
Select Windows Security from the search results to open the app.
Open Virus & Threat Protection
In Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection.
This is where Windows displays current threat information and provides access to its scanning options.
Start With a Quick Scan
Under Current threats, select Quick scan.
A Quick scan checks areas of your computer where threats are commonly found.
Let the Scan Finish
Allow Windows Security to complete the scan.
You can continue using the computer during a normal scan, although the computer may occasionally run a little slower while the scan is working.
Review the Results
When the scan finishes, Windows Security will display the results.
If something is detected, carefully review the recommended action provided by Windows Security.
Understanding Your Scan Results
Here's what the result may mean and what you can do next.
No Current Threats Found
If Windows Security reports that no current threats were found, the scan did not detect a threat in the areas it checked.
That's reassuring, but it doesn't necessarily explain every computer problem. If you're still seeing unusual pop-ups, redirects, errors, or other suspicious behavior, something else may need attention.
Threats Found
If Windows Security detects a threat, review the threat details and the action recommended by Windows Security.
If the warning keeps returning, you don't understand what was detected, or the computer continues behaving strangely, CBC Computer Services can help.
Did Windows Security Find Something?
If Windows Security detects a threat, don't panic. Review the recommended action and allow Windows Security to address the detected item.
If the warning keeps returning, you're unsure what Windows found, or your computer is still behaving strangely, CBC Computer Services can help.
Still Concerned Even Though the Scan Came Back Clean?
A clean scan is reassuring, but it doesn't necessarily explain unusual pop-ups, browser redirects, suspicious remote-access software, account-security problems, or other unusual computer behavior.