* Note: To scan your entire system for malware, select the Full scan option and then click Scan now.ĥ. Click on Virus & threat protection and open the Scan Options.Ĥ.

Open the Run command box by holding the Win and R keys at the same time.ģ. How to perform a CUSTOM Scan with Windows Defender security program.Īnother way to scan a folder, file or an external USB drive, is by using the 'Custom Scan' option in Windows 10 Security:ġ. If no threats are found, then the scanned item is clean and no any other action needed. If any threats are found, click on the Start actions button and let the system to take the necessary actions and to remove them.ī. You will see the Windows Security window open and the selected folder or file will be scanned for malware.Ī. Choose Scan with Microsoft Defender from the context menu.ģ. Right-click on the item that you want to scan for threats.Ģ. The easiest way to scan a specific item (file, folder, drive) with Windows Defender, is by using the right-click menu:ġ. How to Scan a certain Folder or File using by using the right-click menu.

Perform a Custom or a Full Virus Scan with Defender. Run Microsoft Defender Scan from Right-Click Menu. How to Scan Files or Folders for Viruses with Windows 10 Antivirus. In this guide, we have demonstrated different ways to scan your system, or a specific file/folder for Malware using Windows Defender antivirus. (For example, if you have inserted a USB disk belonging to another user, or downloaded a file from the Internet, or received by email.) To keep Windows 10 safe and secure, it is recommended to periodically run a Full Scan of your system for viruses and always run a custom scan on storage devices or files from other sources. In my opinion, Windows Defender is one of the best and most reliable free security programs because it offers all the necessary tools to protect your Windows system, including: Virus and threat protection, firewall and network protection, application and browser control, etc. Windows Defender (or 'Windows Security'), is a built-in security program in Windows 10 that offers real-time protection against viruses, malware and network attacks. If you want to learn, how to use Windows Defender to scan a specific file/folder, or your entire system for malware, continue reading below.

Windows 10 full scan