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.

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.

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.

Windows 7. 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.

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.

Click Library. Click Get Updates. Click Update or Update All with the results that have been returned. Once you have your Xbox app for PC updated to 2311.1001.7.0 or newer, you can run the Gaming Services Repair Tool with these steps: Launch the Xbox app for PC. Click your Profile picture. Click on Support. Click on Gaming Services Repair Tool.

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.

This tool is used to collect info about devices to help troubleshoot problems with DirectX sound and video. A support person might ask for this info, or you might post it in a forum when you ask for help. In Windows, select Start and enter dxdiag into the search box on the taskbar. Select dxdiag from the results.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8.1 is a highly compatible and in-place update to .NET Framework 4.8. It includes native support for the Arm64 architecture (Windows 11+), accessibility improvements as well as other improvements. For a complete list of improvements see: .NET Framework 4.8.1 release notes.

Use Virus & threat protection settings when you want to customize your level of protection, send sample files to Microsoft, exclude trusted files and folders from repeated scanning, or temporarily turn off your protection. Manage your real-time protection. Want to stop running real-time protection for a short while?