How to Run Microsoft Defender Full Virus Scan on Windows 11
Explore three easy ways to do a Microsoft Defender full virus scan on your PC, including the Windows Security app, Powershell, and Command Prompt.
When it comes to safeguarding your computer from malware, quick scans often fall short, leaving potential threats unnoticed. That’s where a full virus scan comes in — it’s a thorough sweep that examines every nook and cranny of your PC for malicious intruders. Though this process requires some patience as it usually spans a few hours, the results can be invaluable.
Thankfully, Microsoft Defender, the built-in antivirus program of Windows 11, lets you run effective full virus scans on your PC without needing a third-party app. Plus, you can initiate the scan in different ways, by using the Windows Security app, Powershell, and Command Prompt. Keep reading to explore these methods in detail.
How to Run a Full Virus Scan From the Windows Security App
The easiest way to run a full virus scan on Windows 11 is through the Windows Security App. Simply carry out these steps:
- Click on the Start button to open the menu.
2. Search for “Windows Security” and open the app.
3. Select “Virus & threat protection” from the left sidebar.
4. Click “Scan options” under the “Current threats” section.
5. Select “Full Scan” and click “Scan now.”
The scanning process will begin. Microsoft Defender will scan for malware and quarantine or remove it if detected. You can manually quarantine, remove, or allow particular apps or files once the scanning process is complete.
Note: Stay patient during the scanning process as it can take multiple hours, depending on the amount of data on your PC.
How to Run a Full Virus Scan With the Command Prompt
Follow these steps to run a Microsoft Defender full virus scan using the Command Prompt:
- Open the Start menu, search for “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
2. In Command Prompt, type the following command and press “Enter” to access Microsoft Defender Antivirus:
cd C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\4*
3. Next, type the following command and press “Enter” to initiate a full scan in Microsoft Defender:
mpcmdrun -scan -scantype 2
As you run these commands, Microsoft Defender will scan for viruses and remove any sort of malware it detects. Once the scan is complete, you’ll see the “Scan finished” message on the screen.
How to Run Full Virus Scan With PowerShell
Follow the below steps to run a Microsoft Defender full virus scan using the PowerShell:
- Open the Start menu, search for “PowerShell” and click “Run as administrator.”
2. In Powershell, input the following command and hit “Enter” to initiate a Microsoft Defender full virus scan on your PC:
start-mpscan -scantype fullscan
As you run this command, the full virus scan will begin. The PowerShell screen will keep you posted on scan progress with a percentage bar.
How to Scan Particular Files or Folders With Microsoft Defender
Since a full virus scan usually takes hours to complete, some users look for quicker yet efficient ways to scan for and remove malware from their computer. If you’re among them, you can always try the “Custom scan” feature to choose which files and locations you want to check for malware. Simply carry out these steps:
- Open the Start menu and click the Settings icon.
2. Select Privacy & Security and navigate to Windows Security.
3. Next, click Virus & Threat protection and click Customized scan under Scan options.
4. As you click Customized scan, an Explorer window will open, letting you select a particular folder to scan. Though you can’t see individual files in the window, you can select the folder it’s in and click Select Folder to initiate the scan. Once done, scanning will begin. The scan will include all subfolders and files in that folder.
Protect Your Data Before It’s Lost!
It’s vital to do regular virus scans on your PC to catch and remove malware that can harm your files and cause trouble. That’s why this guide has highlighted three easy ways to execute Microsoft Defender full virus scans, including the Windows Security app, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. If you don’t want to wait hours for a full virus scan to complete, consider the customized scan option instead to check specific files and folders in little to no time.
