Windows 10 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus through Windows Security, so most users can scan for malware without downloading a separate scanner. If another compatible antivirus product is installed, Windows can adjust Defender’s active role to avoid conflicting real-time protection.
Run a Quick scan
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Choose Quick scan.
- Review any detections and follow Windows Security’s recommended actions.
A Quick scan checks common locations where malware is likely to persist and is a good routine first check.
Use a Full scan when you need broader coverage
Open Scan options and choose Full scan. It can take substantially longer because it examines many more files and running components.
Microsoft Defender Offline can help with persistent threats
The Offline scan option restarts the PC and scans outside the normal Windows session. Save work first. This can be useful when you have a stronger reason to suspect malware that interferes with ordinary scanning.
Update security intelligence
Before investigating a suspected infection, check that the security product has current detection updates. If the PC is offline or managed by an organization, update behavior can differ.
Do not assume every warning is a virus
Browser notifications, account phishing, unwanted extensions, and scam webpages can look like malware. A clean antivirus scan does not prove an online account is safe if credentials were given to a phishing site. Change exposed passwords from a known-clean device and enable multifactor authentication where appropriate.
Avoid stacking multiple real-time antivirus products
Running several real-time security suites can cause conflicts and performance problems. Use a reputable supported security configuration and obtain any second-opinion scanner only from its official vendor.
Windows 10 security status
For this guidance, remember that Windows 10’s standard free-support period ended October 14, 2025; post 55504 should be maintained with that lifecycle in mind. Antivirus signatures cannot patch vulnerabilities in an unsupported operating system. Eligible PCs should migrate to a supported Windows release, while systems in a legitimate extended-security program should remain fully updated.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.