As more and more of our lives are spent online, it’s important to keep our computers safe from viruses and other malicious software. Fortunately, Windows 10 comes with built-in antivirus software called Windows Defender. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to run a virus scan on your Windows 10 computer.
Step-by-step guide to running a virus scan
- Open Windows Security by clicking the shield icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu
- Click “Virus & threat protection” from the left-hand menu
- Click “Scan options”
- Choose between “Quick scan” or “Full scan.” A quick scan checks areas of your computer where threats are most likely to be found, while a full scan scans your entire computer
- Click “Scan now” and wait for the scan to complete
- If threats are found, follow the instructions provided by Windows Security to remove them.
It’s recommended to run a virus scan at least once a week to keep your computer safe from potential threats.
Tips for keeping your computer safe from viruses
In addition to running regular virus scans, here are some tips for keeping your computer safe from viruses:
- Keep antivirus software up-to-date: Make sure that your antivirus software is always up-to-date so that it can detect and protect against new threats.
- Be cautious when downloading files or clicking links from unknown sources: Only download files or click links from websites and sources that you trust.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Use strong passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Regularly back up important files: In case your computer does become infected with a virus or malware, regularly backing up important files can help ensure that you don’t lose any valuable data.
Conclusion
Running regular virus scans is an important part of keeping your computer safe from potential threats. By following these simple steps and tips, you can help ensure that your Windows 10 computer stays protected against viruses and other malicious software. Check out more Windows 10 security tips.