You install Windows 8. You change the Hosts file by specifying custom IP-address-to-host-name mappings to prevent users from browsing to some websites. You run a scan in Microsoft Windows Defender. In this scenario, the Hosts file is detected as a SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack malware threat by Windows Defender. Cause.

Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) To do this, follow these steps: Open an elevated command prompt. To do this, do the following as your appropriate:

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 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.

How to use the PC Health Check app - Microsoft Support. 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.

Addresses security issues for your Windows operating system. Improvements. Note To view the list of addressed issues, click or tap the OS name to expand the collapsible section. Windows 10, version 21H2. Windows 10, version 21H1. Windows Server, version 20H2. Windows 10 servicing stack update - 19042.1737, 19043.1737, and 19044.1737.

How to get this update. Before installing this update. Microsoft combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system with the latest cumulative update (LCU). For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

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.

Check for Windows updates. Learn how to run Windows Update Troubleshooter to resolve errors downloading or installing Windows updates.

Instructions for how to download the Diagnostic Data Viewer tool can be found in Windows 10 at Start > Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback and in Windows 11 at Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.