Remove Malware for Free with Windows Security
You don't need to pay for antivirus software to remove malware. Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) is free, built-in, and genuinely effective. Here's how to use it.
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One of the most persistent myths in tech support is that you need to buy antivirus software to be safe. You don't. Windows 10 and Windows 11 both include Windows Security (powered by Microsoft Defender), which independent testing labs consistently rate as one of the best antivirus products available — and it costs nothing.
Step 1: Open Windows Security
Click the Start menu and type Windows Security, then press Enter. You can also find it by clicking the shield icon in the system tray at the bottom-right of your screen.
Step 2: Go to Virus & Threat Protection
Click Virus & threat protection on the left. You'll see your current protection status. If it says No action needed, your real-time protection is active.
Step 3: Run a Full Scan
- Click Scan options (below the Quick scan button).
- Select Full scan.
- Click Scan now.
A full scan checks every file on your computer. It can take 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on how much is stored on your machine. You can keep using your computer while it runs, though it may be a little slower.
Step 4: Review and Act on Results
When the scan finishes, Windows Security will show you what it found. For each threat you'll see options to Remove, Quarantine, or Allow. In almost every case, choose Remove or Quarantine. Only use Allow if you're certain something is a false positive — a legitimate file incorrectly flagged.
Step 5: Run an Offline Scan for Stubborn Threats
Some malware hides from regular scans. For these, use the Microsoft Defender Offline scan:
- In Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
- Click Scan now.
- Your computer will restart and scan before Windows fully loads, making it much harder for malware to hide.
Keep Real-Time Protection On
Real-time protection catches threats the moment they appear. Make sure it's enabled by going to Virus & threat protection > Virus & threat protection settings and checking that Real-time protection is toggled on.
If Windows Security won't turn on, see our guide on fixing Microsoft Defender. Still need help? Ask us.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows Security good enough, or do I need to buy antivirus software?
For most home users, Windows Security is genuinely sufficient. It receives continuous updates from Microsoft, runs silently in the background, and scores highly in independent antivirus tests. You do not need to pay for additional antivirus software. The most important extra step is keeping Windows updated and practising safe browsing habits.
The scan found something. Should I be worried?
Not necessarily. Windows Security quarantines threats before they can cause harm, so finding something doesn't mean damage has been done. Choose Remove or Quarantine for anything flagged. If the threat name includes words like 'PUA' (Potentially Unwanted Application), it's usually low-risk adware rather than serious malware. Restart your computer after removal and run another scan to confirm everything is clear.
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