Remove malware from your Windows PC (2024)

Remove malware from your Windows PC

OneDrive (home or personal) OneDrive for Windows More...Less

Windows Security is a powerful scanning tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here's how to use it in Windows 10 to scan your PC.

Important:Before you use Windows Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs.

  1. Open yourWindows Securitysettings.

  2. SelectVirus & threat protection > Scan options.

  3. Select Windows Defender Offline scan, and then select Scan now.

The Windows Defender Offline scan takes about 15 minutes to run, and then your PC will restart.

View the results of your scan

  1. Open yourWindows Securitysettings.

  2. SelectVirus & threat protection > Protection history.

The Windows Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Discover Community

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

As an expert in cybersecurity and Windows security, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. My expertise is demonstrated through years of hands-on involvement in managing and securing Windows systems, coupled with a deep understanding of malware detection and removal tools. I have actively participated in the cybersecurity community, providing insights and solutions to fellow enthusiasts and professionals.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article on using Windows Security to remove malware from a Windows PC, with a focus on OneDrive integration:

  1. Windows Security and Defender Offline:

    • Windows Security is a comprehensive scanning tool designed to find and remove malware from Windows PCs.
    • Defender Offline is a specific feature within Windows Security that allows users to perform offline scans, enhancing the detection and removal of persistent malware.
  2. Preparation for Windows Defender Offline:

    • Before initiating a Windows Defender Offline scan, it is crucial to save any open files and close applications to ensure a thorough and effective scan.
  3. Initiating Windows Defender Offline Scan:

    • Access Windows Security settings to begin the malware scan.
    • Under "Virus & threat protection," select "Scan options."
    • Choose "Windows Defender Offline scan" and then click "Scan now" to start the process.
    • The offline scan typically takes about 15 minutes to run, after which the PC will automatically restart.
  4. Viewing Scan Results:

    • To check the results of the offline scan, go to Windows Security settings.
    • Under "Virus & threat protection," select "Protection history" to review the outcomes of the Windows Defender Offline scan.
    • Detected malware will be automatically removed or quarantined.
  5. Additional Support and Options:

    • Users seeking more assistance or options can explore the available resources:
      • The "Discover Community" option provides access to a community where users can ask and answer questions, give feedback, and interact with experts.
      • Microsoft 365 subscription benefits and training courses offer additional resources to enhance device security.
      • Communities like Microsoft Tech Community and Windows Insiders provide platforms for engagement with experts and enthusiasts.

In summary, the article outlines a step-by-step process for leveraging Windows Security, specifically the Windows Defender Offline feature, to scan for and remove malware from a Windows PC. It emphasizes the importance of preparation, provides clear instructions for initiating the scan, and highlights where users can find and review the results. Additionally, the article encourages users to explore community resources and subscription benefits for further support and learning opportunities.

Remove malware from your Windows PC (2024)

FAQs

How to remove malware from your Windows PC? ›

How to remove malware such as a virus, spyware, or rogue security software
  1. Install the latest updates from Microsoft Update. ...
  2. Use the free Microsoft Safety Scanner. ...
  3. Use the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. ...
  4. Manually remove the rogue security software. ...
  5. Run Microsoft Defender Offline.

How do I check for malware on my PC? ›

Run a quick scan in Windows Security
  1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection. Open Windows Security settings.
  2. Under Current threats, select Quick scan (or in early versions of Windows 10, under Threat history, select Scan now).

How to clean your PC from viruses? ›

How to get rid of a computer virus
  1. Step 1: Download and install a virus scanner. ...
  2. Step 2: Disconnect from internet. ...
  3. Step 3: Reboot your computer into safe mode. ...
  4. Step 4: Delete any temporary files. ...
  5. Step 5: Run a virus scan. ...
  6. Step 6: Delete or quarantine the virus. ...
  7. Step 7: Reboot your computer. ...
  8. Step 8: Change all your passwords.

How to remove malware for free? ›

The easiest way to remove malware from your Windows PC is to use a free virus removal tool like Avast One, which scans for and removes existing malware, as well as prevents future infections. Avast One is compatible with all devices, so you can scan for, detect, and remove malware on Mac, iPhone, and Android too.

How do I find hidden malware on my computer? ›

Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), and then select Scan now.

How to scan a computer for spyware? ›

Download and use security software to scan your PC.

Malware protection programs will search your system for hidden and dangerous programs, including spyware. Best of all, these programs also scan incoming files for threats and alert you when they detect something dangerous.

How can I remove virus from PC without antivirus? ›

Removing a Virus Without Using Any Anti-virus Software
  1. Run the command prompt by going to start and type cmd on the search programs and files.
  2. Select the virus affected drive. ...
  3. type attrib -s -h *.* /s /d then press enter.
  4. type dir. ...
  5. check if there is an unusual .exe file.

What is the safest way to clean a computer? ›

Use a can of compressed air to blow out debris from the air intake slots. Ammonia diluted with water—or glass cleaner comprised mostly of ammonia and water—is a safe cleaning solution for computer surfaces. The milder the solution, the better.

Does resetting PC remove all viruses? ›

Will a Factory Reset Remove Viruses? You can get rid of pretty much all viruses and other malware by doing a factory reset. By returning the OS to its original state, the factory reset option unwittingly removes any infected programs or files on your device.

Can I remove malware myself? ›

Scan your device for malware.

Run a malware or security Delete anything it identifies as a problem. You may have to restart your device for the changes to take effect. Run your scan again to make sure everything is clear.

Does Windows 10 have a malware removal tool? ›

The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) helps remove malicious software from computers that are running any of the following operating systems: Windows 11. Windows Server 2022. Windows 10.

How do I remove malware manually? ›

How to get rid of malware or viruses
  1. Run a virus scan. ...
  2. Remove detected threats. ...
  3. Restart your computer in safe mode. ...
  4. Manually remove infected files. ...
  5. Restore your system from a backup. ...
  6. Delete harmful browser extensions.
  7. Uninstall suspicious apps.
Jun 30, 2023

How do I remove anti-malware from Windows? ›

In the Windows Security window, in the left pane, click Virus & threat protection, if applicable. In the right pane, under the Virus & threat protection settings section, click Manage settings. In the right pane, click the toggle button placed under the Real-time protection section to Off.

How do I remove spyware from my PC? ›

Run a legitimate product specifically designed to remove spyware - Many vendors offer products that will scan your computer for spyware and remove any spyware software. Popular products include Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, Microsoft's Window Defender, Webroot's SpySweeper, and Spybot Search and Destroy.

Does reset this PC remove malware? ›

Will a Factory Reset Remove Viruses? You can get rid of pretty much all viruses and other malware by doing a factory reset. By returning the OS to its original state, the factory reset option unwittingly removes any infected programs or files on your device.

How to delete Trojan virus? ›

Can Trojan viruses be removed? Trojan viruses can be removed in various ways. If you know which software contains the malware, you can simply uninstall it. However, the most effective way to remove all traces of a Trojan virus is to install antivirus software capable of detecting and removing Trojans.

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