Windows 11 PC users do not need to install a third-party antivirus solution to protect their data, as Windows 11 has a built-in antivirus software called Microsoft Defender.
The Microsoft Defender antivirus in Windows 11 is pretty capable and works in the background most of the time. The Microsoft Defender antivirus does not require any user intervention, unlike many of its competitors.
Although Defender antivirus is part of Windows 11, most users are unaware of it because it does not appear in the new file context menu. As a result, many users do not know how to scan files and folders for viruses in Windows 11.
This guide shows you how to scan a file or folder for viruses in Windows 11 using the built-in Defender antivirus.
Method 1 of 2
Scan a file or folder for virus using the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the File Explorer and go to the file/folder location that you would like to scan for viruses.
Step 2: Right-click the file/folder and then click Show more options to see the classic file context menu.
Step 3: Click the Scan with Microsoft Defender option to begin scanning the selected file/folder. Clicking the Scan with Microsoft Defender automatically opens the Defender page of the Windows Security app with details about the scan.
As you can see in the picture, the page shows the time of the scan and threats, if any.
Method 2 of 2
Another way to scan a file or folder for viruses in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Windows Security app using search.
Tip: If it is not opening, you can reset or repair the Windows Security app by referring to our instructions in how to reset or repair Windows Security app on a Windows 11 PC guide.
Step 2: On the left pane, click Virus & threat protection.
Step 3: Now, on the right side, click the Scan options link (see the picture above).
Step 4: On this page, select the Custom scan radio button and then click the Scan now button.
Step 5: In the resulting window, browse and select the folder that you would like to perform a scan for viruses and other threats before clicking the Select Folder button. Please note that you cannot select an individual file. You have to select the folder where the files are saved instead.
Upon clicking the Select Folder button, all files in the selected folder will be scanned for viruses and other threats. The Windows Security app displays the status of the scan and viruses, if found.
Our how to update Microsoft Defender antivirus in Windows 11 guide might also interest you.
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