Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here's how to use it in Windows 10 or 11 to scan your PC. Important: Before you use Microsoft Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs. Open your Windows Security settings.

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.

You can start a scan for malware any time you like. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware on Windows, Android, and macOS. From the Microsoft Defender dashboard. If you want a deeper scan, instead of selecting Quick scan in step 3, select Scan options and choose the type of scan you want.

Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows. There are different ways to remove apps and programs, so if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can try another location. Note that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled.

If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track.

You can use installation media (a USB flash drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where you'll find step-by-step instructions.

To deploy the tool in an enterprise environment, you can use one or more of the following methods: Windows Server Update Services. Microsoft Systems Management Software (SMS) software package. Group Policy-based computer startup script. Group Policy-based user logon script.

Take a snapshot to copy words or images from all or part of your PC screen. Use Snipping Tool to make changes or notes, then save, and share. Capture any of the following types of snips: Free-form snip. Draw a free-form shape around an object. Rectangular snip.

Open Snipping Tool and take a screenshot. Windows 11 Windows 10. To use the Snipping Tool when you have a mouse and a keyboard: Press Windows logo key + Shift + S. The desktop will darken while you select an area for your screenshot. Rectangular mode is selected by default.

Discusses how to remove viruses, spyware, rogue software, or malware using Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft Safety Scanner and Microsoft Defender Offline.