In today's digital landscape, ensuring your computer's safety is paramount. If you're using Windows 11, performing a virus scan is not just advisable; it's essential for keeping your data secure and your system running smoothly. Let's walk through the process together.
First things first—locate the taskbar at the bottom of your screen. You might notice some icons tucked away in that little area near the clock; click on 'Show hidden icons.' Among these will be the familiar shield icon representing Windows Defender, Microsoft's built-in antivirus solution.
Once you’ve clicked on it, you'll find yourself in the Windows Defender Security Center home screen. Here’s where we dive into protecting our device! Click on 'Virus & threat protection.' This section provides an overview of any threats detected and offers options for scanning.
For a quick check-up—akin to a routine health screening—you can opt for a Quick Scan by clicking that button right there. It typically takes about 45–60 minutes and focuses primarily on startup folders where malware often hides out when trying to sneak past real-time protection measures.
But what if you want something more thorough? That's where the Full Scan comes into play—a deep dive into every nook and cranny of your system that could harbor malicious software. To initiate this extensive search, navigate back to 'Virus & threat protection' and select 'Scan options.' From here, choose ‘Full scan’ before hitting ‘Scan now.’ Just keep in mind that this process may take several hours depending on how many files are stored within your system.
If during either scan you encounter issues or suspicious files are flagged as threats, don’t panic! The good news is they’ll be quarantined automatically for one month before deletion occurs—giving you time to review them if needed. To check what's been quarantined, simply go back to 'Threat history' under Virus & threat protection.
Lastly, remember that staying updated with virus definitions is crucial since new threats emerge daily. While RRC Polytech computers receive automatic updates regularly from IT Solutions (if connected), it’s wise occasionally to perform manual checks too:
- Open up Virus & threat protection again,
- Scroll down until you see ‘Protection updates,’
- Click ‘Check for updates’ so Windows can install anything necessary immediately!
By following these steps diligently—and perhaps even making it part of your regular maintenance routine—you'll ensure peace of mind knowing you've taken proactive measures against potential cyber threats.
