How To Use Windows Defender Antivirus To Remove Virus

The best way to remove a virus from your Windows computer is to use the Microsoft Defender Offline scan feature of the Windows Defender Antivirus. This will scan your computer for any difficult to remove viruses and remove them. Just make sure to have the latest antivirus definitions installed.

The Windows Defender Antivirus is a tool that’s part of the Windows Security suite that protects your computer against any forms of online threat. It is included in all Windows 10 operating systems and should work automatically without any further setup. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to use Windows Defender Antivirus to remove virus.

Removing virus in Windows 10 using Windows Defender

A computer virus is a type of malicious code that is capable of copying itself across files or other computers and usually corrupt system files, destroy data, or waste system resources. The good thing is that if your computer has the latest software updates installed (including the latest antivirus definitions) then it is protected from this threat.

Signs your computer has a virus

There are several symptoms that can show you that your computer might already be infected with a virus. Here are some of them.

  • Pop-up windows appearing: You might see pop-up windows randomly appearing prompting you to visit a website or download a particular software.
  • Browser homepage is changed: The homepage of your browser has been changed to a different website which usually can’t be changed.
  • Computer crashes: Since most viruses affect certain system files your computer might constantly crash.
  • Slow performance: Viruses usually consume system resources which can lead to a slow computer performance.
  • Additional startup programs: You will notice unfamiliar programs included in the startup list.

Using Windows Defender Offline scan to remove viruses

The best way to get rid of a virus that’s difficult to remove is to run an offline scan.

Time needed: 20 minutes.

Windows Defender Offline scan

  1. Click the Start button.

    This is located on the lower left side of the screen.Use Windows Defender Antivirus To Remove Virus

  2. Click Settings.

    This has a gear icon which when clicked will open the Settings window.Using Windows Defender Offline scan to remove viruses

  3. Click Update & Security.

    This is usually the last option in the Settings window.click update and security

  4. Click Windows Security.

    This is located in the left pane.windows security

  5. Click Virus & Threat protection.

    This is located in the right pane and will open the Windows Security window.virus and threat protection

  6. Click Scan Options.

    This is located in the right pane under the Current threats section.scan options

  7. Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan.

    This will start the scanning process and will usually take around 15 minutes to complete. If a virus is found then it will be removed. Your computer will restart once this is done.microsoft defender offline scan

Checking the scan results

If you would like to know the information on the scan results then here’s how you can do it.

  • Click the Start button. 
  • Click Settings. 
  • Click Update & Security. 
  • Click Windows Security. 
  • Click Virus & Threat protection. 
  • Click Protection history. You can confirm the scan actions and recommendations from here if available. 

After performing the steps listed above you will successfully use Windows Defender Antivirus to remove virus.

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