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.

There is an easy way to bypass the Recycle Bin altogether. NOTE: If you delete a file or folder from a resource that is not local (such as a network computer), the file or folder does not go to the Recycle Bin, the item is instantly deleted.

At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER: sfc /scannow. The sfc /scannow command will scan all protected system files, and replace corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder at %WinDir% \System32\dllcache. The %WinDir% placeholder represents the Windows operating system folder.

Use this app to try to recover lost files that have been deleted from your local storage device (including internal drives, external drives, and USB devices) and can’t be restored from the Recycle Bin.

If you can't find a file on your computer or you accidently modified or deleted a file, you can restore it from a backup (if you're using Windows backup) or you can try to restore it from a previous version. Previous versions are copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saves as part of a restore point.

Press and hold (or right-click) on the program you want to remove and select Uninstall or Uninstall / Change. Then follow the directions on the screen. Need more help? If you can't find an app or program, try the tips in See all your apps in Windows 10 and Program is not listed in add/remove programs after installation.

The 64-bit version is installed by default unless Microsoft 365 or Office detects you already have a 32-bit version of Microsoft 365 or Office (or a stand-alone app such as Project or Visio) installed. In this case, the 32-bit version of Microsoft 365 or Office will be installed instead.

Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Protection history. The Microsoft Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware. 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.

The install begins. Your install is finished when you see the phrase, "You're all set! Office is installed now" and an animation plays to show you where to find Office applications on your computer. Select Close. Follow the instructions in the window to find your Microsoft 365 apps.

Instead, the Recycle Bin icon is stuck on either the empty icon or the full icon. However, if you press the F5 button on the keyboard to refresh the Desktop manually, the Recycle Bin icon refreshes correctly. This article helps you fix the Recycle Bin so that it works correctly.