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 Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) helps remove malicious software from computers that are running any of the following operating systems: Windows 10. Windows Server 2019. Windows Server 2016. Windows 8.1. Windows Server 2012 R2. Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows 7. Windows Server 2008.

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.

Install Microsoft 365 2019 or 2016 on a PC. Remember a one-time purchase version of Microsoft 365 is licensed for one install only. Depending on your browser, select Open file (in Edge or Internet Explorer), Setup (in Chrome), or Save File (in Firefox).

Select Device details. Select Manage in Windows Security. Select Quick scan. Tips: 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. For the most complete scan, run Microsoft Defender Offline. For more about that see Help protect my PC with Microsoft Defender Offline.

Windows 11 Windows 10. PC Health Check app brings you up to date info on your Windows device health, helping you take action to improve your device performance and troubleshoot performance problems. It is periodically updated based on customer feedback to help you make the most of your Windows PC. How to open PC Health Check.

2. Use the free Microsoft Safety Scanner. Microsoft offers a free online tool that scans and helps remove potential threats from your computer. To perform the scan, go to the Microsoft Safety Scanner website. 3. Use the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.

If you already redeemed a product key, you're simply reinstalling the apps, or you know you have an assigned license through work or school, you can skip ahead and go to the section sign in to download and install Microsoft 365 or Office.

Curate your notifications. Windows Security will send notifications about the health and safety of your device. You can turn these notifications on, or off, on the notifications page. In Virus & threat protection, under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings, scroll down to Notifications and select Change notification settings.

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. Using anti-malware on your device.