Checking your Windows 10 setup for malware is kinda essential, especially if your PC’s acting weird, slowing down, or just doesn’t feel right. Sometimes you get hit with sneaky malware that’s hard to spot, so doing regular scans can save you a headache later. Besides Windows Security, there are third-party options like Malwarebytes, which can catch stuff Windows Defender might miss. Updating everything regularly is another key part—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. This guide walks through some basic steps to help you run through your system and hopefully catch anything nasty lurking around.
How to Check for Malware on Windows 10
Open Windows Security and run some initial scans
First off, type “Windows Security” in the Start menu search bar and click on the app. Once it opens, head straight to “Virus & threat protection”. From there, you can initiate a quick scan, which is super fast but might miss hidden threats. It’s usually enough when everything seems normal, but if you’re worried about something, better go for the full scan later.
What helps? This tool is pretty decent for an upfront check because it uses your PC’s built-in protection. On some setups, it takes a minute or two, and sometimes it’s weirdly sluggish, especially if background updates or scans are running—so be patient.
Run a Full Scan for Peace of Mind
When you get suspicious or just want to double-check, choose “Full scan” under “Scan options”. This does a deep dive into every nook and cranny of your system, looking for malware that might be hiding. It’s kinda time-consuming, so plan for a break or maybe do it overnight. Expect at least 30 minutes to a few hours depending on your system size and speed. The upside? You’re more likely to find anything hidden that the quick scan might pass over. If the scan finds something, Windows Security usually offers options to quarantine or delete it right away.
Heads up: sometimes, on some setups, the full scan fails on the first run or hangs — weird stuff. Just restart and try again, or run it in Safe Mode if needed, because that’s usually more effective for stubborn malware.
Bring in a Second Opinion with a Third-Party Scanner
This is the one that’s kind of a no-brainer. Download something like Malwarebytes. It’s pretty lightweight, and frankly, it’s good at catching what Windows Defender misses. Install, run a full scan, and have it do its thing. It might find some junk that the built-in scanner doesn’t pick up, especially ransomware or more complex malware. Often, they’re good for that second layer of safety when you start noticing odd pop-ups or your PC behaves badly.
Some folks swear by running it weekly or monthly for extra security. Not a bad idea if you’re constantly downloading stuff or clicking on shady links.
Make Sure Your Software is Up-to-Date
Even the best malware scanners won’t help much if your system’s vulnerable. Jump into Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates”. Do the same for your drivers and other apps if possible. Regular updates patch security flaws that malware often preys on, so keeping everything current is kinda the baseline of good security. Because of course, Windows has to keep making it more complex — but it’s worth the effort.
Pro tip: Set your system to automatically update or check periodically for new patches. That way, you don’t leave a door open for malware just because you forgot to click that button.
Once all that’s done, you should have a better picture of your system’s health. Hopefully, no threats show up, but if some do, follow the prompts to quarantine or remove the infected files. Regularly doing this can keep your PC running smoother and safer overall.
Tips for Checking for Malware on Windows 10
- Run quick scans weekly to catch stuff early, but don’t forget to do a full scan once a month or so—better safe than sorry.
- Mix up your tools: Windows Security + Malwarebytes + whatever else you trust.
- Set all your software to update automatically — that’s the easiest way to close security gaps.
- Stay cautious — don’t open shady emails or downloads. If it looks sketchy, it probably is.
- Enable Windows Firewall if you haven’t already. It’s simple but effective against network-based threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run malware checks?
Honestly, weekly quick scans are good, and do a full scan at least once a month—more if you’re a heavy downloader or click on a lot of links from sketchy sources.
Can malware hide from Windows Security?
Yep, some really sneaky malware is designed to evade detection, which is why having that second scanner — like Malwarebytes — helps. More layers = better chances of catching stuff.
What do I do if malware is detected?
Follow the prompts from your scanner; quarantine or remove the threat. But, if you’re unsure, backing up important data before messing with infected files is never a bad idea.
Is Windows Security enough for protection?
It’s decent for basic stuff, but nothing beats a multi-layered approach. Combining Windows Defender with a decent third-party scanner makes your safety net wider.
Outdated software? Can that cause trouble?
Definitely. Old software often has vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Keeping everything updated might be annoying, but it’s one of the best habits for staying safe.
Summary
- Open Windows Security
- Run a quick scan
- Do a full system scan
- Run a third-party scanner like Malwarebytes
- Update all your software regularly
Wrap-up
Getting comfortable with these checks isn’t really a big deal, but it goes a long way in keeping malware out of your hair. Sometimes a full scan finds things you didn’t even suspect, and that’s reassuring. Just remember, no security measure is perfect, so combining multiple tactics keeps the risks lower. Hopefully, this saves someone a headache or two, especially if their system is acting weird and they’re not sure what’s going on.