- To run an offline virus scan utilizing Defender Antivirus on Home windows 11, open Home windows Safety > Virus & menace safety, click on “Scan choices,” and choose “Microsoft Defender Offline” scan.
UPDATED 1/17/2024: Typically malware and different malicious software program might be very troublesome to take away if you find yourself signed in in your laptop. Nevertheless, when you have Home windows 10, you should utilize the Microsoft Defender Offline characteristic to scan and take away all varieties of malware, together with viruses, rootkits, ransomware, and different malicious software program, irrespective of how powerful they’re.
The offline virus scan characteristic has been a part of the Defender Antivirus resolution for a very long time, and it permits the antivirus to run with out loading Home windows 10 throughout startup. That is notably helpful as a result of when your gadget is contaminated with persistent malware, eradicating it whereas Home windows is totally loaded is extraordinarily difficult.
On this information, you’ll learn to use the offline virus scan characteristic to take away rootkits, ransomware, and different nasty viruses on Home windows 10. (The offline scan characteristic can also be obtainable on Home windows 11.)
Carry out Defender Antivirus offline scan on Home windows 10
To carry out an offline virus scan to take away powerful malware with Microsoft Defender, use these steps:
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Open Home windows Safety.
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Click on on Virus & menace safety.
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Click on on Scan choices below the “Present threats” part.

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Examine the “Microsoft Defender Offline scan” possibility.

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Click on the Scan now button.
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Click on the Scan button.
After you full the steps, the pc will boot into the system’s restoration atmosphere, and the Microsoft Defender antivirus will carry out a full virus scan. If the anti-malware detects any virus, rootkit, or every other kind of malware, it’ll take away it mechanically.
After the scan, you’ll find the Microsoft Defender Offline scan outcomes on Home windows Safety > Virus & menace safety > Safety historical past.
Replace January 17, 2024: This content material has been up to date to make sure accuracy and mirror adjustments within the course of.
