Scan an item with Windows Security (2024)

Windows Security (Windows Defender Security Center in previous versions of Windows) enables you to scan specific files and folders to make sure they're safe. You'll be notified immediately if any threats are found.

• To scan specific files or folders, right-click a file or folder, select Show more options, and then select Scan with Microsoft Defender. When the scan is complete, you'll see the Scan options page letting you know the results of the scan.

• To confirm that your antivirus protection is on, open the Windows Security app, and go to Virus & threat protection. Under Who's protecting me?, select Manage providers.

• To turn antivirus protection on, in the Windows Security app, go to Virus & threat protection. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.Switch Real-time protection to On. Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically turn ons.

Note:If you're running a non-Microsoft antivirus/antimalware product, Microsoft Defender Antivirus goes into disabled mode automatically. When you uninstall the non-Microsoft antivirus/antimalware software, Microsoft Defender Antivirus should return to active mode automatically.

Open Windows Security settings