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.

Security Windows 10. When you get a new device and start up Windows 10 for the first time, the antivirus protection that comes installed with the device is your default security app. However, Windows Security is pre-installed and ready for you to use at any time.

Update drivers manually in Windows - Microsoft Support. Windows 11 Windows 10. Note: The best and safest way to get driver updates in Windows is always through Windows Update. If you are having problems with Windows Update, you might see if any of the links at Update Windows can help you out first. Before you begin.

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.

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.

On Windows 10, select Update & Security. On Windows 11, select Windows Update. On the Windows Update page, select Check for updates to see if any updates are available for your device. Once the updates have downloaded, select Install now to start the installation.

Troubleshooter for repairing Windows Update system files and settings - Microsoft Support. This article describes the problem addressed by the troubleshooter, what it does to mitigate them, and the conditions that can cause it to run. For more information about troubleshooting, see Keep your device running smoothly with recommended troubleshooting.

Refunds for digital games include Microsoft Store digital game offers, Xbox apps (excluding movies and TV apps), digital gaming bundle offers, digital game durable content, and some digital game consumable content, whether made available through the Xbox console, on your PC, or on your mobile device.

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.