Use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes that they made (see Covered malware families). For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Windows Defender Offline or Microsoft Safety Scanner.

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.

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs. It also fixes corrupted registry keys. First, you'll need to download the troubleshooter. Download troubleshooter.

890830 Remove specific prevalent malware with Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. Download the tool. You can manually download the MSRT from the Microsoft Download Center. The following files are available for download: For 32-bit x86-based systems: Download the x86 MSRT package now. For 64-bit x64-based systems:

Microsoft Defender has powerful built-in features that can help protect your device against malware. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware only on Windows, Mac, and Android. When you first set-up Microsoft Defender on your device we'll run an initial scan to make sure you're starting off clean.

Antivirus and antimalware software: FAQ. Here are answers to common questions about Microsoft security software, including updates, where to download, and common software errors.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall are on your device to help protect it from viruses and other malicious software. But if you think they've missed something run Microsoft Defender Offline which can sometimes detect malware that others scanners missed. In Windows 10, Windows Defender and Windows Firewall helps protect your device ...

The troubleshooting info in this topic might help you if you're experiencing any of the following problems when detecting and removing malware with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Microsoft Security Essentials, or other Microsoft anti-malware solutions: Select a topic to expand it

Learn more. For more information on how Microsoft classifies malware, unwanted software, and potentially unwanted apps see How Microsoft identifies malware and potentially unwanted applications. Reduce the chances of getting unwanted software.

Protect yourself from malware and phishing Malware is short for malicious software, a program or file that is designed to specifically damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus, worm, or a Trojan horse.