Ready to give your Windows 11 system a thorough health check? Let's dive right in!
Step 1: Opening Windows Security - Your First Line of Defense
First things first, we need to get to the right place. Windows 11 has a built-in security suite called Windows Security, and that's where we'll initiate our full scan. Here are a couple of ways to open it:
Method 1: Using the Start Menu
- Click on the Start button, which is usually located in the middle of your taskbar at the bottom of the screen. It looks like the Windows logo.
- Type "security" in the search bar that appears.
- From the search results, click on Windows Security. This will open the Windows Security app.
Method 2: Using the System Tray
- Look at the bottom right corner of your screen, in the area known as the system tray. You might need to click the little arrow icon ("Show hidden icons") to see all the icons.
- Find the Windows Security icon. It looks like a shield.
- Double-click on the Windows Security icon. This will also open the Windows Security app.
Once you have Windows Security open, you're ready for the next step!
Step 2: Navigating to Virus & threat protection
Inside the Windows Security app, you'll see a few different categories listed on the left-hand side or in the main window. We're interested in the one that deals with scanning for malicious software.
- Click on Virus & threat protection. This section is usually indicated by a shield icon with a checkmark.
Step 3: Initiating the Full Scan
Now we're getting to the core of it! The Virus & threat protection screen gives you options for scanning your system.
Understanding Scan Options
Before we jump straight into the full scan, it's good to know about the other scan options available:
- Quick scan: This checks the folders most likely to contain threats. It's faster but less comprehensive.
- Scan options: This allows you to choose different types of scans, including the Full scan.
- Microsoft Defender Offline scan: This runs a scan in a separate environment before Windows starts, which can be useful for removing persistent malware.
Performing the Full Scan
To initiate the full scan:
- Under the "Current threats" section, you might see a "Quick scan" button. Don't click that just yet! Instead, look for a link or button that says "Scan options". Click on it.
- On the Scan options screen, you will see different scan types listed. Select the radio button next to Full scan. The description usually reads something like "Checks all files and running programs on your hard disk. This scan might take longer."
- Once you've selected Full scan, click the "Scan now" button.
Step 4: Waiting for the Scan to Complete
Now comes the part that requires patience. A full scan checks every single file and program on your hard drive, so it can take a significant amount of time, ranging from several minutes to even a few hours, depending on the size of your drive and the amount of data you have.
- Let it run uninterrupted: It's best not to use your computer heavily during a full scan to avoid slowing down the process. You can still do basic tasks like reading, but avoid running resource-intensive applications.
- Monitor the progress: The Windows Security app will show you the progress of the scan, including the files being scanned and any threats that are detected.
- Be patient: Seriously, this can take a while. Grab a cup of coffee or do something else while the scan runs.
Step 5: Reviewing and Addressing Any Threats Found
Once the full scan is complete, Windows Security will display a summary of the results.
- Review the threats: If any threats are found, they will be listed on the screen. Take a close look at each one.
- Take action: Windows Security will usually recommend actions to take, such as "Remove", "Quarantine", or "Allow on device".
- Remove: This will permanently delete the malicious file.
- Quarantine: This moves the file to a secure location, preventing it from causing harm. You can review quarantined items later.
- Allow on device: Use this option with extreme caution and only if you are absolutely sure the detected item is not a threat (this is generally not recommended unless you are an advanced user).
- Follow the prompts: Click the "Start actions" button or individual action buttons next to each threat to resolve them.
- Restart if prompted: In some cases, you might be asked to restart your computer to complete the removal or quarantine process. Make sure to save any open work before restarting.
Step 6: Keeping Your System Protected
Running a full scan is a great way to check for existing threats, but it's even more important to maintain ongoing protection.
- Keep Windows updated: Microsoft regularly releases updates that include security patches. Make sure your Windows 11 is set to automatically install updates. You can check for updates in Settings > Windows Update.
- Keep Windows Security updated: Windows Security also receives regular definition updates to help it identify the latest threats. This usually happens automatically.
- Consider real-time protection: Windows Security has real-time protection that constantly monitors your system for suspicious activity. Make sure this feature is turned on in the Virus & threat protection settings.
- Be cautious online: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading files from untrusted sources, and opening unexpected email attachments.
- Consider additional security software: While Windows Security provides good baseline protection, you might consider using a third-party antivirus program for an extra layer of security.
And that's how you perform a full scan on your Windows 11 system! It's a crucial step in maintaining the health and security of your computer.
How to: Frequently Asked Questions
How to schedule a full scan in Windows 11?
While Windows Security doesn't have a direct option to schedule a full scan through its graphical interface, you can use Task Scheduler to create a scheduled task that runs a command-line scan. Search for "Task Scheduler" in the Start Menu, create a basic task, set the schedule, and for the action, use the program MpCmdRun.exe with the argument -Scan -ScanType Full.
How to check the results of a previous full scan?
Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, and then click on "Protection history". This will show you a log of past scans and any threats that were detected and handled.
How to speed up a full scan in Windows 11?
Unfortunately, a full scan inherently takes time as it checks every file. You can't significantly speed it up. However, ensuring your disk is defragmented (if it's a traditional HDD) and closing unnecessary applications before running the scan can help slightly. Upgrading to a faster SSD can also drastically improve overall system performance, including scan times in the long run.
How to know if a full scan is currently running?
When a scan is in progress, the Windows Security icon in the system tray will often show a spinning animation or a notification. If you open the Windows Security app and go to Virus & threat protection, you'll see the scan progress displayed at the top of the window.
How to stop a full scan in Windows 11?
If you need to stop a scan for any reason, open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, and you should see a "Stop" button next to the scan progress. Click on it to halt the scan.
How to exclude certain files or folders from a full scan?
Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, then under "Virus & threat protection settings", click on "Manage settings". Scroll down to "Exclusions" and click "Add or remove exclusions".
How to perform a full scan using PowerShell?
You can initiate a full scan using PowerShell by opening PowerShell as an administrator and running the command: Start-MpScan -ScanType Full.
How to interpret the results of a full scan?
The results will list any detected threats along with their severity. Windows Security will usually recommend an action (like Remove or Quarantine). If no threats are found, it will indicate that no threats were detected.
How to update Windows Security before running a full scan?
Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, and under "Virus & threat protection updates", click on "Check for updates". It's always a good idea to have the latest definitions before running a scan.
How to troubleshoot if a full scan is not completing?
If a full scan gets stuck or doesn't complete, try restarting your computer in Safe Mode and running the scan from there. If it still fails, there might be corrupted system files or a conflict with other software. Consider running the System File Checker (SFC) tool (sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as administrator) or checking your disk for errors.