Ransomware is malware that encrypts your files or stops you from using your computer until you pay money (a ransom) for them to be unlocked. If your computer is connected to a network the ransomware may also spread to other computers or storage devices on the network.

Ransomware detection notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guides you through the process of restoring your files. Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to block access to your files until you pay money.

The Microsoft Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware. Learn how to remove malware from your PC. Use Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 or Windows 11 to scan your PC for malware, viruses, or other threats.

Viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more are all types of malware. Microsoft Defender has powerful built-in features that can help protect your device against malware.

The best protection from malware and potentially unwanted software is an up-to-date, real-time security product, such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Learn how malware can infect your PC from sources such as spam email, removable drives, potentially unwanted software, and suspicious websites.

Virus & threat protection in Windows Security helps you scan for threats on your device. You can also run different types of scans, see the results of your previous virus and threat scans, and get the latest protection offered by Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Under Current threats you can:

Each release of the tool helps detect and remove current, prevalent malicious software. This malicious software includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Microsoft uses several metrics to determine the prevalence of a malicious software family and the damage that can be associated with it.

Help Microsoft stop scammers, whether they claim to be from Microsoft or not, by reporting tech support scams at: www.microsoft.com/reportascam. You can also report unsafe websites in Microsoft Edge by selecting Settings and More > Help and Feedback > Report unsafe site when you encounter something suspicious.

If you trust a file, file type, folder, or a process that Windows Security has detected as malicious, you can stop Windows Security from alerting you or blocking the program by adding the file to the exclusions list.

Crooks use phishing attacks, malware like ransomware, and tech support scams to try and steal your information and your money. Learn how to stop them!