Remove malware from your Windows PC - Microsoft Support
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.
Applies To:
OneDrive (home or personal), OneDrive for Windows
Remove specific prevalent malware with Windows Malicious Software ...
Microsoft generally releases the MSRT on a monthly cadence as part of Windows Update or as a standalone tool. (For exceptions, see Skipped releases.)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.
How to remove malware or viruses from my Windows 10 PC
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 ...
Add an exclusion to Windows Security - Microsoft Support
Under Privacy & security , select Virus & threat protection. Under Virus & threat protection settings , select Manage settings , and then under Exclusions , select Add or remove exclusions . Select Add an exclusion , and then select from files, folders, file types, or process.
Microsoft Defender privacy protection FAQ - Microsoft Support
Privacy protection is a feature that's included with Microsoft Defender for individuals. This feature encrypts your internet traffic and hides your internet address (IP address) from prying eyes. It gives you 50GB of monthly data limit (per user) to browse the web securely and anonymously.
How to prevent and remove viruses and other malware
Restart your computer. When you see the computer's manufacturer's logo, repeatedly press the F8 key. When you are prompted, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking, and then press Enter. Tip: Safe Mode starts Windows with only the minimum number of drivers and services necessary for operation.
Turn off Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security
Security Windows 11 Windows 10. Follow these steps to temporarily turn off real-time Microsoft Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security. However, keep in mind that if you do, your device may be vulnerable to threats.
How to start a scan for viruses or malware in Microsoft Defender
From the Microsoft Defender dashboard. 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 ...
Applies To:
Microsoft Defender on Android, Microsoft Defender on Mac, Microsoft Defender on Windows
Hosts file is detected as malware in Windows Defender
Cause. This issue occurs because Windows Defender may determine incorrectly that the Hosts file was changed by malware, such as adware or spyware. Typically, malware programs change the Hosts file to redirect users to malicious websites. Therefore, Windows Defender may detect the Hosts file as a security threat.
Getting started with anti-malware in Microsoft Defender
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. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware only on Windows, Mac, and Android.
Applies To:
Microsoft Defender on Android, Microsoft Defender on Mac, Microsoft Defender on Windows