How To Run Full Virus Scan With Windows 10 Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Every internet user is vulnerable to cyber-attack unless they take their first line of defence. Microsoft has constantly been perfecting its OS to prevent security gaps. With Microsoft defender antivirus, they have managed to evade computer threats like rootkits, spyware, malware, hackers, and ransomware. However, there comes a time when you have to perform a full virus scan manually on your computer if you suspect any of your files to have been affected or compromised.

A full virus scan is advisable if malware or Virus has found their way into your computer. Sometimes, a virus scan may be effective if you perform routine maintenance. Using Microsoft’s powerful antivirus tool, You can opt to do quick, custom, or full scans via command prompt, PowerShell or security App. 

On this page, we shall look at how you can use windows security, PowerShell, or command prompt to perform a full virus scan.

Run a Full Virus Scan Using Windows Security

If you prefer using windows security to run a full virus check, then these steps will prove helpful

1. Open the Settings app and click Updates & security
2. Scroll down to windows security on the left pane
3. Under Protection areas, choose Virus & threat protection
4. Choose Scan options under the current threat
5. Click the Full scan option if interested in checking the whole computer system for viruses and all malware types
6. Hit the scan now button

This button will command Microsoft defender Antivirus to initiate a full system search for malware and viruses. Threats found on your computer during a full virus scan are guaranteed or removed automatically. This process can take a lot of time if you have many files. Therefore, run a full virus scan when your computer is not in use preferably overnight.

Run Full Virus Scan Using Command Prompt

1. Besides Microsoft default defender antivirus, we can also use command prompt to archive similar results. 
2. Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and hit the enter button to run the command prompt.
3. On the Command prompt window, type the cd C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\4*  command then hit the Enter button. This command searches for a newer version of Microsoft defender
4. Now type mpcmdrun -scan -scantype 2  and press Enter key. This command runs a full virus scan on your device.

Once again, this anti-malware tool; will scan your PC for all; sorts of malware. Start scanning notification will appearance you launch the process and when it’s complete, it sends another notification indicating scan finished.

Run Full Virus Scan Using Powershell

1. Press the Windows key on the search box, type PowerShell, and click Run as administrator
2. A new window with a blue background will open
3. On it, type the command start-mpscan -scantype fullscanand hit the enter Key

This command will tell PowerShell to perform a full virus scan on your device. And when done appropriately, the windows defender antivirus will check, detect, and remove malware and Virus during a full scan. 

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The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only and any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

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