March 26, 2025, midnight

How to Run an Antivirus Check on Windows 10

Ensuring your Windows 10 system is free from malware is essential for its performance and your security. Here's a simple guide on how to conduct an antivirus check.

Using Windows Defender

  1. Click on the Start button.
  2. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Security from the menu.
  4. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  5. Under Current threats, click Quick scan to run a basic check. For a more thorough scan, choose Full scan.

Using Third-Party Antivirus Software

Follow these steps if you have third-party antivirus software installed:

  1. Open your antivirus application.
  2. Navigate to the Scan option, which might be labelled differently depending on the software.
  3. Choose the type of scan you want to run (quick, full, or custom).
  4. Start the scan and wait for the results.

Regularly Updating Your Antivirus

For continuous protection, ensure your antivirus software is always up to date. Here’s how to update:

  1. Open your antivirus application.
  2. Look for the Update option, usually found in the settings menu.
  3. Click Update and download any available updates.

Conclusion

Running regular antivirus checks and keeping your software up-to-date is critical for protecting your Windows 10 PC from threats. By following the steps above, you can maintain a secure and efficient system.