How To Scan PC For Malware – Windows

Are you experiencing poor PC performance, application crashes, frequent pop-ups, or other issues?

There is a possibility that your Windows system is infected, and you need to perform a scan for malware on Windows. Malware is not unusual on your system, especially when you are always connected to the Internet.

While malware is an inconvenience altogether, it is more typical for a user to detect a virus already on the PC. If you believe your computer is under the influence of malware but do not know how to scan Windows for malware, this post is for you!

Worry not; malware can be cleaned in different ways. Keep reading, as this guide will help you learn the signs of malware and how to scan your PC for malware running Windows 10/11.

What is Malware?

Before beginning a malware scan, you must understand what malware is and how it works.

Malware is an umbrella term for various nasty threats, such as viruses, adware, Trojan horses, spyware, ransomware, and worms. In short, it is malicious software designed to harm a PC, network, or server. When a system is infected with malware, its data becomes vulnerable and prone to attack.

Know the difference (Malware v/s Viruses)

Due to this, nasty actors benefit from malware to take control of sensitive information like usernames, passwords, financial information, and other details. In addition, some viruses are created to lock the user out of their computer until a ransom is paid, which is called ransomware.

Signs Malware Infects Your PC

Now that you know what to look for, let’s narrow your search for malware by identifying signs that show your PC has been attacked. Some of these signs are as follows:

• Slow PC performance.
• Applications take time to start.
• Windows PCs keep crashing.
• New extensions get installed without the user’s knowledge.
• Slow internet connection than usual.
• When the PC is idle, the computer fan keeps running.
• Unknown applications get installed without users’ consent.

If you look online, you may find multiple ways to resolve your malware queries. Some suggest using Windows Defender to scan your PC. Here’s how you do it freely –

Step 1 – Go to the Start Menu and search for Windows Defender(Windows Security for Windows 11).
Step 2 – Select Virus and Threat Protection

Step 3 – Run a quick scan.
Step 4 – Once the scan is complete, simply restart your PC.

It is a free inbuilt method in Windows that helps you detect malware on Windows. However, several users have shared that sometimes Windows Defender fails to find hidden malware due to a lack of updates. Some users even suggest that you try and reset your PC.

Try an Antivirus Tool to Scan your PC

A recommended way to protect the system is to run T9 Antivirus, an advanced antivirus tool that offers real-time scanning, exploit protection, startup item scanning, web protection, and other security features.

1. Download and install T9 Antivirus.

2. Run one of Windows’s best virus protection and security tools.

3. Click SCAN Now to check Windows for malware and other nasty threats.

4. Wait for the scan to finish.

5. The tool will quarantine detected threats.

Quick Scan – checks common areas of the PC for threats.

Deep Scan – thoroughly scanning Windows PCs for viruses, malware, and other malicious threats.

Custom Scan – allows the user to select which directory to scan for virus.

You can use any of them to scan the Windows PC for malware and clean the infections.

Alongside scanning the system for malware using T9 Antivirus, you can scan Startup items for infections, optimize the PC, shred files, and install the offered StopAllAds browser extension to block unwanted ads.

This way, you can scan your PC for malware and eliminate the infections.

But this raises the question of why third-party software should be used when Windows offers a security tool, right?

Why use a third-party Malware and Virus Remover?

The short answer is Windows Defender does not offer advanced features like the ones provided by third-party security tools. Moreover, these robust removal tools offer all-around protection to protect PCs from malware. The database definitions are updated regularly, and their scan engine is advanced.

Final Words

Other than this, we suggest you disconnect your PC from the internet and remove recently installed applications, as these are some basic sources of malware on your PC. Download the T9 Antivirus today, scan your PC for malware, and you should be ready!

Related Read:

Guide to Choose the Best Antivirus for Windows 11